1 DR. GRASSLE: I think that the issue of gradual accumulation of 



2 hydrocarbons, when we consider all the potential sources, needs to be 



3 addressed over the long term. 



4 DR. AURAND: How about this: Gradual accumulation of hydrocarbon 



5 on the bottom has been shown in shallow areas and, if it has not been 



6 addressed by the time they go to production here, it ought to be 



7 examined. Is that clear? 



8 DR. GRASSLE: No, I think the issue is-- 



9 DR. TEAL: I don't think it comes from this source. 



10 DR. GRASSLE: That's right, and I think that's our hang-up, is 



11 that if there is accumulation, the betting is going to be that it is 



12 from minor spills or accidents or whatever. 



13 DR. TEAL: Yes. 



14 DR. GRASSLE: So, the point is that somebody is going to have to 



15 look to see if there is a gradual accumulation; it is going to have to 



16 happen if this goes to production. 



17 DR. TEAL: That's true. 



18 DR. GRASSLE: Pinning it on the produced waters is not something 



19 we want to do, but certainly, it needs to be considered in the overall 



20 plan. 



21 DR. BUTMAN: This bring up a--this is the first time it has been 



22 brought up, but although we are saying that many of these things are not 



23 a problem, is there sort of an underlying feeling that there should be 



24 some monitoring program of some of these effects? 



25 DR. TEAL: You guys just ought to wrap up your equipment and go 

 25 somewhere else. 



27 (Laughter) 



28 DR. BUTMAN: That's what I want to hear. 



29 DR. GRASSLE: Category 4 up there-- 



30 DR. BUTMAN: I just wanted to highlight what he said. 



31 DR. AURAND: If production were to occur without further 



32 resolution, this issue should be monitored. It is more likely that such 



33 hydrocarbon build-up would be related to small spills. 



34 DR. GRASSLE: Let's just say "accidental" before "small." 



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