Placement and operation of production facilities, 

 1. Activity sequence 



Production aspects occur both at the wells 

 treatment complex. Normally at a wellsite 

 modifications of the existing pad or drill 

 sary to convert the well to production sta 

 ing flowlines from the well to the treatme 

 activities as described for the installati 

 lines; these include line survey, limited 

 installation, and site restoration as requ 

 conducted from a floating barge, the barge 

 by a small elevated platform supporting th 

 digging and pile driving are required. 



ite and at a central 

 only slight structural 

 ing barge site are neces- 

 tus. Placement of gather- 

 nt facilities requires 

 on and maintenance of 

 vegetation clearing, line 

 ired. If dril ling was 



is removed and replaced 

 e wellhead. Small-scale 



I 



Centralized treatment facilities are typically located on firm 

 upland sites if they are available nearby. Otherwise, the complex 

 is constructed in the marsh using the same construction techniques 

 and processes employed in preparing a wellsite. Treatment and 

 processing equipment may be supported on (1) a leveed pad dredged 

 from the marsh; (2) a platform complex elevated on pilings and 

 supplemented by stationary barges; or (3) a combination of the 

 above. Brine-disposal lines are installed to transport brine to 

 disposal wells or to adequate marine sites. Routine operation, 

 maintenance, and repair of treatment, pumping, and storage equipment 

 are frequently conducted within the confines of the pad site or on 

 the platform/barge structures. Processing wastes are stored within 

 the complex area, disposed of via flowlines, or transported off site 

 immediately. Routine maintenance and operational trips are conducted 

 by truck to sites accessible via levee roads or by small boat to jjk 

 sites accessible only be canal. Typical areal extent of a newly " 

 constructed production facility is approximately 0.4 ha (1 acre). 



2. Primary ecological alterations 



2.1 Trampling and crushing of vegetation due to construction ma- 

 chinery 



2.2 Complete loss of vegetation within the pad site or platform 

 complex 



2.3 Permanent displacement and/or loss of consumer groups within 

 the facility site 



2.4 Increases in concentrations of suspended sediments and dis- 

 solved nutrients 



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