CONCLUSIONS 



After nearly two full days of reviewing the scientific facts, as recorded 

 in this report, a workshop consensus was reached on several findings and 

 recommendations. 



■ No rig should be closer than 500 m to the boundary of a canyon, as 

 defined by NOAA, because:* 



1. It would prevent disturbance to the boulder fields and "pueblo 

 villages" that are important nursery areas. 



2. It would exclude accumulation in the canyon of any rapidly 

 settling material (cuttings, a major fraction of the drilling 

 muds, and debris dropped off the rig); 



3. Direct burial and smothering of organisms in the canyon would be 

 avoided; 



4. There would be greater opportunity for increased dilution of 

 waterborne contaminants; and 



5. This setback would appear to have little impact on the feasibility 

 of exploration or production drilling. 



■ Dilution of metals in the water column indicates that they are 

 unlikely to cause biological problems, although some increases might 

 be measurable.* 



■ Barium accumulation is expected, but because of its low toxicity,* it 

 is unlikely to have a measurable biological effect. 



"See also reviewer comments in Appendix A. 



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