[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 155 (Friday, August 11, 1995)] [Notices] [Pages 41105-41111] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-19827] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Outer Continental Shelf, Western Gulf of Mexico, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 155 AGENCY: Minerals Management Service. ACTION: Final notice of sale. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Authority. This Notice is published pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356, (1988)), and the regulations issued thereunder (30 CFR Part 256). 2. Filing of Bids. Sealed bids will be received by the Regional Director (RD), Gulf of Mexico Region, Minerals Management Service (MMS), 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394. Bids may be delivered in person to that address during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Standard Time (c.s.t.)) until the Bid Submission Deadline at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 12, 1995. Hereinafter, all times cited in this Notice refer to c.s.t. unless otherwise stated. Bids will not be accepted the day of Bid Opening, Wednesday, September 13, 1995. Bids received by the RD later than the time and date specified above will be returned unopened to the bidders. Bids may not be modified or withdrawn unless written modification or written withdrawal request is received by the RD prior to 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 12, 1995. Bid Opening Time will be 9 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, 1995, at the downtown Hilton Hotel (Poydras Street at the Mississippi River) New Orleans, Louisiana. All bids must be submitted and will be considered in accordance with applicable regulations, including 30 CFR Part 256. The list of restricted joint bidders which applies to this sale appeared in the Federal Register at 60 FR 14777, published on March 20, 1995. 3. Method of Bidding. (a) Submission of Bids. A separate signed bid in a sealed envelope labeled ``Sealed Bid for Oil and Gas Lease Sale 155, not to be opened until 9 a.m., c.s.t., Wednesday, September 13, 1995'' must be submitted for each block bid upon. The sealed envelope and the bid should contain the following information: The company name, Gulf of Mexico Company Number (GOM Company Number), area number and/or name (abbreviations acceptable), and the block number of the block bid upon. In addition, the total amount bid must be in whole dollar amounts. Bidders must submit with each bid one-fifth of the cash bonus, in cash or by cashier's check, bank draft, or certified check, payable to the order of the U.S. Department of the Interior--Minerals Management Service. For identification purposes, the following information must appear on the check or draft: Company name, GOM Company Number, and the area and block bid on (abbreviation acceptable). No bid for less than all of the unleased portions of a block will be considered. All documents must be executed in conformance with signatory authorizations on file in the Gulf of Mexico regional office. Partnerships also need to submit or have on file a list of signatories authorized to bind the partnership. Bidders submitting joint bids must state on the bid form the proportionate interest of each participating bidder, in percent to a maximum of five decimal places, e.g., 33.33333 percent. Other documents may be required of bidders under 30 CFR 256.46. Bidders are warned against violation of 18 U.S.C. 1860 prohibiting unlawful combination or intimidation of bidders. (b) Submission of Statement Regarding Certain Geophysical Data. Each company submitting a bid, or participating as a joint bidder in such a bid, shall submit, prior to the Bid Submission Deadline specified in paragraph 2 of this Notice, a statement or statements identifying any processed or reprocessed pre and post stack depth migrated geophysical data in their possession or control pertaining to each and every block on which they are participating as a bidder. The existence, [[Page 41106]] extent, and type of such data must be clearly identified. In addition, the statement shall certify that no such data is in their possession for any other blocks on which they participate as a bidder. The statement shall be submitted in an envelope separate from those containing bids and shall be clearly marked; an example of a preferred format for the statement and the envelope is included in the document titled ``Trial Procedures for Access to Certain Geophysical Data in the Gulf of Mexico.'' Only one statement per bidder is required for each sale, but more than one may be submitted if desired, provided that all tracts bid on by that company are covered in the one or more statements. Paragraph 14(j), Information to Lessees, contains additional information pertaining to this requirement. 4. Bidding, Yearly Rental, and Royalty Systems. The following bidding, yearly rental, and royalty systems apply to this sale: (a) Bidding Systems. All bids submitted at this sale must provide for a cash bonus in the amount of $25.00 or more per acre or fraction thereof. (b) Yearly Rental. All leases awarded will provide for a yearly rental payment of $5 per acre or fraction thereof. (c) Royalty Systems. All leases will provide for a minimum royalty of $5 per acre or fraction thereof. The following royalty systems will be used in this sale. (1) Leases with a 12\1/2\-Percent Royalty. This royalty rate applies to blocks in water depths of 400 meters or greater; this area is shown on the Stipulations, Lease Terms, and Bidding Systems map applicable to this Notice (see paragraph 13). Leases issued on the blocks offered in this area will have a fixed royalty rate of 12\1/2\ percent. (2) Leases with a 16\2/3\-Percent Royalty. This royalty rate applies to blocks in water depths of less than 400 meters (see aforementioned map). Leases issued on the blocks offered in this area will have a fixed royalty rate of 16\2/3\ percent. 5. Equal Opportunity. The certification required by 41 CFR 60- 1.7(b) and Executive Order No. 11246 of September 24, 1965, as amended by Executive Order No. 11375 of October 13, 1967, on the Compliance Report Certification Form, Form MMS-2033 (June 1985), and the Affirmative Action Representation Form, Form MMS-2032 (June 1985) must be on file in the Gulf of Mexico regional office prior to lease award (see paragraph 14(e)). 6. Bid Opening. Bid opening will begin at the bid opening time stated in paragraph 2. The opening of the bids is for the sole purpose of publicly announcing bids received, and no bids will be accepted or rejected at that time. If the Department is prohibited for any reason from opening any bid before midnight on the day of bid opening, that bid will be returned unopened to the bidder as soon thereafter as possible. 7. Deposit of Payment. Any cash, cashier's checks, certified checks, or bank drafts submitted with a bid may be deposited by the Government in an interest-bearing account in the U.S. Treasury during the period the bids are being considered. Such a deposit does not constitute and shall not be construed as acceptance of any bid on behalf of the United States. 8. Withdrawal of Blocks. The United States reserves the right to withdraw any block from this sale prior to issuance of a written acceptance of a bid for the block. 9. Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of Bids. The United States reserves the right to reject any and all bids. In any case, no bid will be accepted, and no lease for any block will be awarded to any bidder, unless: (a) the bidder has complied with all requirements of this Notice and applicable regulations; (b) the bid is the highest valid bid; and (c) the amount of the bid has been determined to be adequate by the authorized officer. No bonus bid will be considered for acceptance unless it provides for a cash bonus in the amount of $25.00 or more per acre or fraction thereof. Any bid submitted which does not conform to the requirements of this Notice, the OCS Lands Act, as amended, and other applicable regulations may be returned to the person submitting that bid by the RD and not considered for acceptance. 10. Successful Bidders. Each person who has submitted a bid accepted by the authorized officer will be required to execute copies of the lease, pay the balance of the cash bonus bid along with the first year's annual rental for each lease issued, by electronic funds transfer in accordance with the requirements of 30 CFR 218.155, and satisfy the bonding requirements of 30 CFR 256, Subpart I, as amended. See Federal Register at 58 FR 45255, published August 27, 1993. 11. Leasing Maps and Official Protraction Diagrams. Blocks offered for lease may be located on the following Leasing Maps or Official Protraction Diagrams which may be purchased from the Gulf of Mexico regional office (see paragraph 14(a)): (a) Outer Continental Shelf Leasing Maps--Texas, Nos. 1 through 8. This is a set of 16 maps which sells for $18.00. (b) Outer Continental Shelf Official Protraction Diagrams. These diagrams sell for $2.00 each. NG 14-3 Corpus Christi (rev. 01/27/76) NG 14-6 Port Isabel (rev. 01/15/92) NG 15-1 East Breaks (rev. 01/27/76) NG 15-2 Garden Banks (rev. 10/19/81) NG 15-4 Alaminos Canyon (rev. 04/27/89) NG 15-5 Keathley Canyon (rev. 04/27/89) NG 15-8 (No Name) (rev. 04/27/89) 12. Description of the Areas Offered for Bids. (a) Acreages of blocks are shown on Leasing Maps and Official Protraction Diagrams. Some of these blocks, however, may be partially leased, or transected by administrative lines such as the Federal/State jurisdictional line. Information on the unleased portions of such blocks, including the exact acreage, is included in the following document available from the Gulf of Mexico regional office; this document is also included in the Final Notice of Sale package sent by this office: Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 155--Final. Unleased Split Blocks and Unleased Acreage of Blocks with Aliquots and Irregular Portions Under Lease. (b) Blocks which have recently become available for leasing: Attention is drawn to the following update list which is included as a matter of convenience for interested parties. This update list reflects blocks which have become available since the publication of the Preliminary Final Notice of Sale 155. Any questions on this may be directed to Ms. Patricia Bryars, phone (504) 736-2763. Update List: Matagorda Island Area block 602; Brazos Area blocks 501 and 506; Galveston Area blocks 332, 383, 392, and 393; High Island Area, East Addition, South Extension block A-341; and Garden Banks Area blocks 166, 208, 210, 211, 252, 299, 342, and 381. (c) Blocks not available for leasing: The areas offered for leasing include all those blocks shown on the OCS Leasing Maps and Official Protraction Diagrams listed in paragraph 11 (a) and (b), except for those blocks or partial blocks already under lease and those blocks or partial blocks listed in (1), (2), and (3) below. A list of Western Gulf of Mexico blocks currently under active lease is included at the end of this Notice. (1) Flower Garden Banks area: No bids will be accepted on the following blocks at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary: High Island Area, East Addition, South Extension, blocks A-375 and A- 398. (2) Navy Mine Warfare Training area: No bids will be accepted on the [[Page 41107]] following blocks located off Corpus Christi which have been identified by the Navy as needed for testing equipment and training mine warfare personnel: Mustang Island Area blocks 793, 799, and 816. (3) Blocks not available for leasing due to appeals: The lease status of the following blocks are currently under appeal and therefore these blocks are unavailable for leasing in this sale: Galveston Area, South Addition, block A-125; and Brazos Area block 578. 13. Lease Terms and Stipulations. (a) Leases resulting from this sale will have initial terms as shown on the Stipulations, Lease Terms, and Bidding Systems Map applicable to this Notice and will be on Form MMS-2005 (March 1986). Copies of the map and lease form are available from the Gulf of Mexico regional office (see paragraph 14(a)). (b) The applicability of the stipulations which follow is as shown on the map described in paragraph 13(a) and as supplemented by references in this Notice. Stipulation No. 1--Topographic Features (This stipulation will be included in leases located in the areas so indicated in the Biological Stipulation Map Package associated with this Notice and which is available from the Gulf of Mexico regional office (see paragraph 14(a)) The banks that cause this stipulation to be applied to blocks of the Western Gulf are: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No activity zone defined by isobath Bank name (meters) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shelf Edge Banks: West Flower Garden Bank \1\...... 100 (defined by \1/4\ \1/4\ \1/4\ system) East Flower Garden Bank \1\...... 100 (defined by \1/4\ \1/4\ \1/4\ system) MacNeil Bank..................... 82 29 Fathom Bank................... 64 Rankin Bank...................... 85 Geyer Bank....................... 85 Elvers Bank...................... 85 Bright Bank \2\.................. 85 McGrail Bank \2\................. 85 Rezak Bank \2\................... 85 Sidner Bank \2\.................. 85 Parker Bank \2\.................. 85 Stetson Bank..................... 62 Appelbaum Bank................... 85 Low Relief Banks \3\: Mysterious Bank.................. 74, 76, 78, 80, 84 Coffee Lump...................... Various Blackfish Ridge.................. 70 Big Dunn Bar..................... 65 Small Dunn Bar................... 65 32 Fathom Bank................... 52 Claypile Bank \4\................ 50 South Texas Banks \5\: Dream Bank....................... 78, 82 Southern Bank.................... 80 Hospital Bank.................... 70 North Hospital Bank.............. 68 Aransas Bank..................... 70 South Baker Bank................. 70 Baker Bank....................... 70 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ Flower Garden Banks--In paragraph (c) a ``4-Mile Zone'' rather than a ``1-Mile Zone'' applies. \2\ Central Gulf of Mexico bank with a portion of its ``1-Mile Zone'' and/or ``3-Mile Zone'' in the Western Gulf of Mexico. \3\ Low Relief Banks--Only paragraph (a) applies. \4\ Claypile Bank--Paragraphs (a) and (b) apply. In paragraph (b) monitoring of the effluent to determine the effect on the biota of Claypile Bank shall be required rather than shunting. \5\ South Texas Banks--Only paragraphs (a) and (b) apply. (a) No activity including structures, drilling rigs, pipelines, or anchoring will be allowed within the listed isobath (``No Activity Zone'' as shown in the aforementioned Biological Stipulation Map Package) of the banks as listed above. (b) Operations within the area shown as ``1,000-Meter Zone'' in the aforementioned Biological Stipulation Map Package shall be restricted by shunting all drill cuttings and drilling fluids to the bottom through a downpipe that terminates an appropriate distance, but no more than 10 meters, from the bottom. (c) Operations within the area shown as ``1-Mile Zone'' in the aforementioned Biological Stipulation Map Package shall be restricted by shunting all drill cuttings and drilling fluids to the bottom through a downpipe that terminates an appropriate distance, but no more than 10 meters, from the bottom. (Where there is a ``1-Mile Zone'' designated, the ``1,000-Meter Zone'' in paragraph (b) is not designated.) (d) Operations within the area shown as ``3-Mile Zone'' in the aforementioned Biological Stipulation Map Package shall be restricted by shunting all drill cuttings and drilling fluids from development operations to the bottom through a downpipe that terminates an appropriate distance, but no more than 10 meters, from the bottom. Stipulation No. 2--Military Areas (This stipulation will be included in leases located within the Warning Areas as shown on the map described in paragraph 13(a)) (a) Hold and Save Harmless Whether compensation for such damage or injury might be due under a theory of strict or absolute liability or otherwise, the lessee assumes all risks of damage or injury to persons or property, which occur in, on, or above the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), to any persons or to any property of any person or persons who are agents, employees, or invitees of the lessee, its agents, independent contractors, or subcontractors doing business with the lessee in connection with any activities being performed by the lessee in, on, or above the OCS, if such injury or damage to such person or property occurs by reason of the activities of any agency of the United States Government, its contractors or subcontractors, or any of its officers, agents or employees, being conducted as a part of, or in connection with, the programs and activities of the command headquarters listed in the following table. Notwithstanding any limitation of the lessee's liability in Section 14 of the lease, the lessee assumes this risk whether such injury or damage is caused in whole or in part by any act or omission, regardless of negligence or fault, of the United States, its contractors or subcontractors, or any of its officers, agents, or employees. The lessee further agrees to indemnify and save harmless the United States against all claims for loss, damage, or injury sustained by the lessee, or to indemnify and save harmless the United States against all claims for loss, damage, or injury sustained by the agents, employees, or invitees of the lessee, its agents, or any independent contractors or subcontractors doing business with the lessee in connection with the programs and activities of the aforementioned military installation, whether the same be caused in whole or in part by the negligence or fault of the United States, its contractors, or subcontractors, or any of its officers, agents, or employees and whether such claims might be sustained under a theory of strict or absolute liability or otherwise. (b) Electromagnetic Emissions The lessee agrees to control its own electromagnetic emissions and those of its agents, employees, invitees, independent contractors or subcontractors emanating from individual designated defense warning areas in accordance with requirements specified by the commander of the command headquarters listed in the following table to the degree necessary to prevent damage to, or unacceptable interference with, Department of Defense flight, testing, or operational activities, conducted within individual designated warning areas. Necessary [[Page 41108]] monitoring control, and coordination with the lessee, its agents, employees, invitees, independent contractors or subcontractors, will be effected by the commander of the appropriate onshore military installation conducting operations in the particular warning area; provided, however, that control of such electromagnetic emissions shall in no instance prohibit all manner of electromagnetic communication during any period of time between a lessee, its agents, employees, invitees, independent contractors or subcontractors and onshore facilities. (c) Operational The lessee, when operating or causing to be operated on its behalf, boat, ship, or aircraft traffic into the individual designated warning areas shall enter into an agreement with the commander of the individual command headquarters listed in the following list, upon utilizing an individual designated warning area prior to commencing such traffic. Such an agreement will provide for positive control of boats, ships, and aircraft operating into the warning areas at all times. W-228--Chief, Naval Air Training, Naval Air Station, Office No. 206, Corpus Christi, Texas 78419-5100, Telephone: (512) 939-3862/3902 W-602--Headquarters ACC/DOSR, Detachment 1, Operations Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska 68113-5550, Telephone: (402) 294-2334 Stipulation No. 3--Operations in the Naval Mine Warfare Area (This stipulation will apply to leases located in Mustang Island Area, East Addition, blocks 732, 733, and 734) (a) The placement, location, and planned periods of operation of surface structures on this lease during the exploration stage are subject to approval by the Regional Director (RD), Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico Region, after the review of the operator's Exploration Plan (EP). Prior to approval of the EP, the RD will consult with the Commander, Mine Warfare Command, in order to determine the EP's compatibility with scheduled military operations. No permanent structures nor debris of any kind shall be allowed in the area covered by this lease during exploration operations. (b) To the extent possible, sub-seafloor development operations for resources subsurface to this area should originate outside the area covered by this lease. Any above-seafloor development operations within the area covered by this lease must be compatible with scheduled military operations as determined by the Commander, Mine Warfare Command. The lessee will consult with and coordinate plans for above- seafloor development activities (including abandonment) with the Commander, Mine Warfare Command. The Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD) must contain the locations of any permanent structures, fixed platforms, pipelines, or anchors planned to be constructed or placed in the area covered by this lease as part of such development operations. The DOCD must also contain the written comments of the Commander, Mine Warfare Command on the proposed activities. Prior to the approval of the DOCD, the RD will consult with the Commander in order to determine the DOCD's compatibility with scheduled military operations. For more information, consultation, and coordination, the lessee must contact: Commander, Mine Warfare Command, 325 Fifth Street, SE., Corpus Christi, Texas 78419-5032, Phone: (512) 939-4895. 14. Information to Lessees. (a) Supplemental Documents. For copies of the various documents identified as available from the Gulf of Mexico regional office, prospective bidders should contact the Public Information Unit, Minerals Management Service, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394, either in writing or by telephone at (800) 200-GULF or (504) 736-2519. For additional information, contact the Regional Supervisor for Leasing and Environment at that address or by telephone at (504) 736-2759. (b) Navigation Safety. Operations on some of the blocks offered for lease may be restricted by designation of fairways, precautionary zones, anchorages, safety zones, or traffic separation schemes established by the U.S. Coast Guard pursuant to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.), as amended. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) permits are required for construction of any artificial islands, installations, and other devices permanently or temporarily attached to the seabed located on the OCS in accordance with section 4(e) of the OCS Lands Act, as amended. For additional information, prospective bidders should contact Lt. Commander Ken Parris, Assistant Marine Port Safety Officer, 8th Coast Guard District, Hale Boggs Federal Building, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, (504) 589-6901. For COE information, prospective bidders should contact Mr. Dolan Dunn, Chief Evaluation Section, Regulatory Branch, Post Office Box 1229, Galveston, Texas 77553, (409) 766-3935. (c) Offshore Pipelines. Bidders are advised that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, dated May 6, 1976, concerning the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of offshore pipelines. Bidders should consult both Departments for regulations applicable to offshore pipelines. (d) 8-Year Leases. Bidders are advised that any lease issued for a term of 8 years will be cancelled after 5 years, following notice pursuant to the OCS Lands Act, as amended, if within the initial 5-year period of the lease, the drilling of an exploratory well has not been initiated; or if initiated, the well has not been drilled in conformance with the approved exploration plan criteria; or if there is not a suspension of operations in effect. Bidders are referred to 30 CFR 256.37 and the MMS Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Letter to Lessees of February 13, 1995. (e) Affirmative Action. Revision of Department of Labor regulations on affirmative action requirements for Government contractors (including lessees) has been deferred, pending review of those regulations (see Federal Register of August 25, 1981, at 46 FR 42865 and 42968). Should changes become effective at any time before the issuance of leases resulting from this sale, section 18 of the lease form (Form MMS-2005, March 1986), would be deleted from leases resulting from this sale. In addition, existing stocks of the affirmative action forms described in paragraph 5 of this Notice contain language that would be superseded by the revised regulations at 41 CFR 60-1.5(a)(1) and 60-1.7(a)(1). Submission of Form MMS-2032 (June 1985) and Form MMS-2033 (June 1985) will not invalidate an otherwise acceptable bid, and the revised regulations' requirements will be deemed to be part of the existing affirmative action forms. (f) Ordnance Disposal Areas. Bidders are cautioned as to the existence of two inactive ordnance disposal areas in the Corpus Christi and East Breaks areas, shown on the map described in paragraph 13(a). These areas were used to dispose of ordnance of unknown composition and quantity. These areas have not been used since about 1970. Water depths in the Corpus Christi area range from approximately 600 to 900 meters. Water depths in the East Breaks area range from approximately 300 to [[Page 41109]] 700 meters. Bottom sediments in both areas are generally soft, consisting of silty clays. Exploration and development activities in these areas require precautions commensurate with the potential hazards. (g) Archaeological Resources. Bidders are advised that a Final Rule regarding archaeological resources was published in the Federal Register on October 21, 1994 (59 FR 53091), granting specific authority to each MMS Regional Director to require archaeological surveys and reports (under 30 CFR 250, 256, 260, and 281) and the submission of these reports to the Regional Director prior to exploration, development and production, or installation of lease-term or right-of- way pipelines. MMS Notice to Lessees (NTL) 91-02 (Outer Continental Shelf Archaeological Resources Requirements for the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region) published in the Federal Register on December 20, 1991 (50 FR 66076) effective February 17, 1992, specifies survey methodology, linespacing, and archaeological report writing requirements for lessees and operators in the Gulf of Mexico Region. Two additional documents are available from the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region Public Information Office (see paragraph 14(a)): ``List of Lease Blocks Within the High-Probability Area for Historic Period Shipwrecks on the OCS'' dated January 30, 1995. This list supersedes the list promulgated by the MMS Letter to Lessees (LTL) of November 30, 1990. ``List of Lease Blocks Within the High-Probability Area for Prehistoric Archaeological Resources on the OCS'' dated January 30, 1995. Implementation of this Final Rule and NTL 91-02 obviates the need for the Protection of Archaeological Resources Stipulation required for previous issues. (h) Proposed Rigs to Reefs. Bidders are advised that there are OCS artificial reef sites and planning sites for the Gulf of Mexico. These are generally located in water depths of less than 200 meters. While all existing and proposed sites require a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this ``Rigs to Reefs'' program is implemented through State sponsorship through the following State Coordinators: Alabama Mr. Walter M. Tatum, (334) 968-7578 Louisiana Mr. Rick Kasprzak, (504) 765-2375 Mississippi Mr. Mike Buchanan, (601) 385-5860 Texas Ms. Jan Coulbertson, (713) 474-2811 For more information, on artificial reef sites, prospective bidders should contact the above listed State Artificial Reef Coordinators for their areas of interest. (i) Proposed Lightering Zones. Bidders are advised that the U.S. Coast Guard has proposed designating certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico (60 FR 1958 of January 5, 1995), as lightering zones for the purpose of permitting single hull vessels to off-load oil within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Such designation may have implications for oil and gas operations in the areas. Additional information may be obtained from Lieutenant Commander Stephen Kantz, Project Manager, Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90) Staff, at (202) 267-6740. (j) Statement Regarding Certain Geophysical Data. Pursuant to Sections 18 and 26 of the OCS Lands Act, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder, MMS has a right of access to certain geophysical data and information obtained or developed as a result of operations on the OCS. MMS is sensitive to the concerns expressed by industry regarding the confidentiality of individual company work products and client lists and the potential burden of responding to a myriad of requests from MMS pertaining to the existence and availability of these types of reprocessed geophysical data. To resolve the concerns of both industry and MMS with respect to such cases, MMS has worked with industry to develop the requirements contained within paragraph 3(b) Method of Bidding above. These requirements are being imposed on a trial basis to determine their effectiveness and are subject to modification in future sales. The details of this requirement are specified in the document ``Trial Procedures for Access to Certain Geophysical Data in the Gulf of Mexico,'' which is provided in the Sale Notice package and which is available upon request from the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region Public Information Office (see paragraph 14(a)). In brief, these requirements include: 1. In the period for ninety (90) days after the sale, bidders will allow MMS to inspect such data within seven (7) days of a written request from MMS, and upon further written request will transmit to MMS, within ten (10) working days, such data. After this ninety day period, a response time of thirty (30) days following an MMS written request will be considered adequate. 2. Successful bidders must retain such data for three (3) years after the sale, and unsuccessful bidders must retain such data for six (6) months after the sale, for possible acquisition by MMS. For the six (6) month period after the sale, based on a review of the allowable cost of data reproduction to MMS for three-dimensional and two-dimensional data sets, the company providing the reprocessed data will be reimbursed at a rate of $480 per block or part thereof for three-dimensional data and $2 per line mile for two-dimensional data. Afterwards, reimbursement will be subject to the terms and conditions of 30 CFR 251.13(a). All geophysical data and information obtained and reviewed by MMS pursuant to these procedures shall be held in the strictest confidence and treated as proprietary in accordance with the applicable terms of 30 CFR 251.14. For additional information, contact the MMS Gulf of Mexico Regional Office of Resource Evaluation at (504) 736-2720. (k) Information about Indicated Hydrocarbons. Bidders are advised that MMS makes available, about 3 months prior to a lease sale, a list of unleased tracts having well bores with indicated hydrocarbons. Basic information relating to production, well bores, and pay range for each tract is included in the list. The list is available from the Public Information Unit, Minerals Management Service, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394; telephone (800) 200-GULF or (504) 736-2519. (1) Minimizing Oil and Gas Structures Near the Flower Garden Banks. Bidders are reminded of Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) 85-8, ``Minimizing Oil and Gas Structures in the Gulf of Mexico,'' dated November 26, 1985. Section II of the NTL sets forth the MMS' policy with regard to the minimization of structures for drilling, development, and production on OCS leases. The policy requires that such structures including lease-term pipelines be placed in a manner that causes minimum interference with other significant uses of the OCS. Please be advised that the MMS will strictly adhere to this policy when reviewing Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents which propose the use or installation of such structures within the ``Four-Mile Zone'' and adjacent areas surrounding [[Page 41110]] the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Cynthia Quarterman, Director, Minerals Management Service. Approved: August 4, 1995. Bob Armstrong, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management. Western Gulf of Mexico Leased Lands June 21, 1995 Descriptions of blocks listed represent all Federal acreage leased unless otherwise noted. South Padre Island 1030, 1040, 1052, 1059, 1060, 1063, 1064, 1069, 1073, 1111, 1112, 1122, 1125, 1134, 1151, 1166 North Padre Island 897, 908, 956, 957, 967, 968, 969, 976, 989 North Padre Island, East Addition 892, 911, 913, 970, 974, 975, 990, 993, 995, 996, 1011, 1014, 1018, A- 6, A-8, A-10, A-12, A-23, A-27, A-28, A-38, A-42, A-43, A-45, A-46, A- 48, A-55, A-59, A-64, A-69, A-70, A-72, A-75, A-76, A-86, A-87 Mustang Island 737, 738, 739, 740, 742, 743, 752, 754, 756, 757, 758, 759, 762, 763, 767, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 789, 791, 801, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 810, 812, 813, 814, 824, 826, 828, 829, 831, 833, 838, 842, 843, 846, 847, 848, 851, 855, 858, 859, 868, 873, 875, 876, 879, A-1, A-2, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-10, A-11, A-12, A-14, A-15, A-16, A-17, A-19, A-20, A-22, A-26, A-27, A-31, A-32, A-33, A-38 Mustang Island, East Addition 733, 735, 736, A-51, A-52, A-53, A-57, A-58, A-61, A-65, A-85, A-86, A- 95, A-96, A-97, A-110, A-111, A-112, A-121, A-122, A-124, A-152, A-153 Matagorda Island 487, 518, 519, 520, 526, 527, 528, 529, 555, 556, 557, 564, 565, 566, 568, 569, 586, 587, 588, 589, 591, 592, 604, 605, 606, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 622, 623, 624, 631, 632, 633, 634 (Seaward of 8(g) Line), 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 656, 657, 658, 663, 664, 665, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 676, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 696, 697, 699, 700, 701, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, A-4, A-5, A-7, A-8 Brazos 341, 342, 364, 365, 375, 376, 377, 378, 396, 397, 398, 399, 411, 412, 413, 415, 416, 417, 431, 432, 434, 435 (Seaward of 8(g) Line), 436, 437, 439, 450, 451, 452 (E\1/2\), 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 466, 468, 469, 470, 471, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 488, 490, 491, 493, 494, 495, 496, 498, 502, 504, 507, 509, 514, 515, 517, 531, 532, 536, 537, 538, 539, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 549, 550, 552, 570, 572, 575, 577, 579, 580, 581, 585, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-10, A-17, A-19, A-20, A-21, A-22, A-23, A-24, A- 25, A-31, A-37, A-38, A-39, A-42, A-43 Brazos, South Addition A-46, A-47, A-48, A-51, A-52, A-53, A-61, A-62, A-65, A-66, A-69, A-70, A-71, A-75, A-76, A-77, A-84, A-85, A-101, A-102, A-104, A-105, A-106, A-131, A-132, A-133 Galveston 144, 152, 180, 182, 189, 190, 191, 192, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 222, 223, 227, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 252, 255, 256, 257, 258, 265, 266, 267, 268, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 281, 283, 285, 286, 288, 289, 290, 294, 295 (S\1/2\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\; NW\1/4\NE\1/4\; W\1/2\SW\1/ 4\NE\1/4\; NE\1/4\SW\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; W\1/2\; W\1/ 2\NW\1/4\SE\1/4\; S\1/2\SE\1/4\), 296 (NE\1/4\; NE\1/4\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; S\1/2\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; S\1/2\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\SW\1/ 4\; NE\1/4\SW\1/4\SW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\; N\1/ 2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\; SE\1/4\SE\1/4\), 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 327, 328, 329, 330, 333, 334, 343, 344, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 353, 357, 358, 359, 360, 362, 363, 380, 385, 386, 390, 391, 394, 395, 418, 420, 421, 428, 429, 465, A-2, A-3, A-10, A-15, A-16, A-18, A-20, A-21, A-24, A-34, A-35, A-39, A-40, A-41, A-42, A-49, A-50, A-86, A-96, A-101, A- 105, A-110, A-111 Galveston, South Addition A-122, A-142, A-143, A-144, A-145, A-188, A-192, A-194, A-213, A-215, A-218, A-248 High Island 19, 21, 22, 34, 36, 47, 52, 53, 66, 69, 71, 72, 73, 86, 90, 92, 93, 95, 105, 109, 110, 111, 115, 116, 117, 131, 134, 135 (N\1/2\; N\1/2\S\1/2\; SW\1/4\SW\1/4\; W\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\; NE\1/4\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\; N\1/2\S\1/ 2\SE\1/4\), 136 (E\1/2\; E\1/2\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\; S\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\), 137, 138 (N\1/2\), 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 153, 154, 155 (W\1/2\), 156, 158, 159, 160, 161 (NW\1/4\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; S\1/2\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; W\1/2\NW\1/4\; SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; NE\1/4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\; W\1/2\NE\1/ 4\SW\1/4\; NW\1/4\SW\1/4\; NW\1/4\SW\1/4\SW\1/4\), 162, 163, 164, 165, 169, 170, 176, 177, 179, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 205, 206, 207, 208, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 234, 235, 236, 261, 262, 263, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-9, A-10, A-12, A-16, A-18, A-19, A-20, A-21, A-22, A-23, A-24, A-25, A-26, A-36, A-37, A-42, A-44, A-45, A-46, A-52, A-53, A-60, A-61, A-62, A-63, A-64, A-68, A-73, A-77, A-78, A-83, A-87, A-100, A-125, A-127, A-128, A-129, A-130, A-133 High Island, South Addition A-417, A-421, A-422, A-438, A-441, A-442, A-443, A-444, A-446, A-447, A-448, A-451, A-462, A-465, A-466, A-467, A-468, A-469, A-471, A-472, A-474, A-475, A-477, A-479, A-486, A-488, A-489, A-490, A-491, A-493, A-494, A-496, A-497, A-498, A-499, A-500, A-501, A-510, A-511, A-512, A-513, A-515, A-517, A-518, A-519, A-520, A-521, A-523, A-528, A-530, A-531, A-532, A-535, A-536, A-537, A-538, A-539, A-540, A-544, A-545, A-546, A-547, A-548, A-549, A-550, A-551, A-552, A-553, A-555, A-556, A-557, A-560, A-561, A-562, A-563, A-564, A-568, A-570, A-571, A-572, A-573, A-574, A-576, A-577, A-582, A-583, A-586, A-587, A-588, A-589, A-590, A-591, A-595, A-596 High Island, East Addition 38, 39, 45, 46, 74, 75, 76, 85, 118, 119, 120, 128, 129, 130, 166, 167, A-168, A-169, A-170, A-171, A-172, A-173, A-174, A-175, A-176, A-177, A-180, A-187, A-192, A-200, A-201, A-217, A-218, A-224, A-231, A-243, A-245, A-246, A-247, A-250, A-253, A-257, A-258, A-259 High Island, East Addition, South Extension A-260, A-261, A-262, A-263, A-266, A-269, A-270, A-271, A-272, A-273, A-276, A-279, A-280, A-281, A-282, A-283, A-285, A-286, A-287, A-288, A-291, A-292, A-300, A-301, A-302, A-303, A-305, A-309, A-310, A-312, A-313, A-314, A-315, A-316, A-317, A-323, A-325, A-326, A-327, A-330, A-331, A-332, A-334, A-335, A-339, A-340, A-342, A-343, A-345, A-346, A-347, A-348, A-349, A-350, A-351, A-352, A-355, A-356, A-359, A-360, A-362, A-365, A-368, A-369, A-370, A-371, A-372, A-373, A-376, A-378, A-379, A-380, A-382, A-384, A-385, A-386, A-389, A-391, A-392, A-393, A-395, A-396, A-397, A-402, A-403 Sabine Pass 17, 18, 40 East Breaks 109, 110, 112, 117, 122, 154, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 165, 167, 168, 169, 173, 197, 209, 212, 213, 237, 238, 256, [[Page 41111]] 294, 295, 296, 303, 305, 329, 330, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 386, 388, 389, 390, 402, 403, 430, 431, 473, 474, 475, 506, 507, 518, 520, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 593, 598, 599, 602, 604, 605, 607, 608, 609, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 653, 654, 683, 684, 685, 686, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 728, 729, 732, 739, 740, 741, 783, 784, 785, 901, 902, 904, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 994 Garden Banks 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, 65, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 83, 84, 85, 102, 103, 115, 117, 119, 120, 127, 128, 134, 135, 136, 140, 141, 142, 147, 158, 159, 161, 162, 164, 165, 171, 172, 180, 184, 186, 189, 190, 191, 192, 201, 202, 203, 209, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 224, 225, 235, 236, 237, 240, 248, 254, 255, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 265, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 287, 290, 291, 298, 300, 302, 304, 319, 322, 323, 343, 344, 345, 371, 379, 382, 386, 387, 388, 389, 405, 406, 416, 419, 420, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 463, 464, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 498, 499, 506, 507, 508, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 520, 535, 543, 544, 550, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 562, 563, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 607, 608, 612, 639, 644, 645, 646, 653, 656, 683, 694, 697, 727, 738, 739, 740, 741, 754, 767, 768, 769, 772, 782, 783, 784, 785, 803, 804, 806, 812, 826, 833, 848, 849, 850, 877, 885, 902, 903, 919, 920, 921, 929, 930, 938, 939, 940, 947, 963, 964, 974, 975 Port Isabel 39, 40, 81, 82, 125, 126, 130, 131, 174, 175, 216, 218, 393, 436, 437, 438, 481, 482, 483, 519, 520, 524, 525, 526, 527, 563, 564, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 610, 611, 613, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 696, 697, 698, 700, 701, 740, 741 Alaminos Canyon 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 65, 192, 236, 237, 261, 280, 305, 336, 337, 380, 398, 441, 442, 485, 489, 490, 491, 529, 533, 534, 556, 557, 558, 599, 600, 601, 602, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 687, 691, 719, 720, 726, 730, 731, 734, 735, 736, 763, 764, 766, 767, 770, 774, 775, 780, 781, 810, 811, 813, 814, 818, 827, 854, 856, 857, 900, 901, 903, 904, 947, 951, 954 Keathley Canyon 6, 7, 133, 134, 156, 157, 158, 159, 177, 178, 179, 199, 201, 202, 221, 243, 245, 246, 324, 583, 584 [FR Doc. 95-19827 Filed 8-10-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P