vessel. A rig to drill COST holes is identical to an exploratory rig, 

 described in Section 2.2.2, and has similar offshore and onshore sup- 

 port requirements. 



Const ruction/ Installation 



Vessels used in this activity are constructed at established ship- 

 yards. (See Section 2.3.2.) No unusual equipment or processes are 

 required. The installation of one COST well has the same character- 

 istics and impacts as an exploratory drill rig discussed in Section 

 2.2.2 following. 



Operation 



Survey vessels operate offshore, coming to dock to take on supplies 

 and fuel or to tie up between contracts. There is little that would 

 distinguish their operation from a deep sea commercial fishing vessel. 

 The operations of an exploratory drill rig are described in Section 

 2.2.2. 



Community 



Survey vessels have no discernible impacts on coastal communities. 

 Shipboard labor is contracted with the vessel offering no local employment 

 opportunities. Onshore businesses that provide the services needed by 

 this type of vessel, such as marine fuel and food supplies, (See Section 

 2.3.3) benefit from additional business. Effects of the exploratory 

 drilling rig, including data on employment and induced effects, are 

 minimal . 



Effects on Living Systems 



Geophysical surveys conducted offshore in deep waters do not 

 affect living resources, if conducted under established regulations. 

 Before modern techniques were perfected, dynamite was frequently used, 

 causing fish kills in small areas. Modern seismic techniques have not 

 caused any documented adverse impacts to living systems. Geophysical 

 surveys do not require any action to eliminate any potential for adverse 

 impacts to living systems. Effects of drill rigs on living systems are 

 described in Section 2.2,2. 



Regulatory Factors 



Outer Continental Shelf exploration and development activities are 

 generally managed by the United States Geological Survey. The COST 



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