The Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Region regulates exploration, development, and production activities on about 8,000 active leases including 4,000 production facilities to ensure that activities are conducted safely and in an environmentally sound manner.  These regulations are based on numerous environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders.

Prior to commencing, and during activities, companies are required to comply with MMS regulatory requirements.

Air Quality  | Archaeology  |  Artificial Reefs  |  Biological
Deepwater   |  Environmental Impact Analysis
 Flower Gardens  |   Military Warning  |  Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model

Air Quality

• Overview of Air Quality and Other OCS Regulations
• Tips to Avoid Common Emissions Spreadsheet Errors
• Maximum Emissions Estimates for Rig and Drillship Type
• Air Quality Emissions Reporting Spreadsheets for EPs and DOCDs
• Gulfwide Offshore Activities Data System - 2005 (GOADS-2005)
• 2000 Gulfwide Emission Inventory
• 2000 Breton Emission Inventory

Archaeology

• Archaeological Resources Regulation
• Archaeology Survey Blocks
• NTL 2002-G01
• NTL 2002-G01 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Diver Evaluation of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Side-Scan Sonar Targets
• Archaeology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Artificial Reef Sites, Permit Areas, and General Permit Areas

• Map
• State Contacts

Biological Information

• Blocks affected by the Topographic Features Stipulation, Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation and Live Bottom (Low Relief) Stipulation - Map
• Blocks affected by the Topographic Features Stipulation, Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation and Live Bottom (Low Relief) Stipulation - List
• 2003-059 - Shock Wave/Sound Propagation Modeling Results for Calculating Marine Protected Species Impact Zones during Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures
  • Under Water Calculator for Shocks, Version 1.5.3 (Excel spreadsheet, see below instructions for opening)
  • Instructions for opening the Underwater Calculator for Shocks
• NTL (Chemosynthetic Communities)
• 1988 Endangered Species Act, Section 7, Consultation on Explosive Removal Operations
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Multi-Lease Sale (185, 187, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 201)
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Lease Sale 181
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Lease Sale 184
• De Minimus Explosive Severing Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico

Deepwater Information

• ROV Survey Information
• Deepwater Information Requirements Status Report

Environmental Impact Analysis

• Guidance for Submitting Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents (NTL No. 2003-G17)
• Supplemental Information on Submitting the Environmental Impact Analysis

Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary (Flower Gardens Banks and Stetson Bank)

• Map
• Contact
• Buoy Locations

Military Warning (MWA) Information

• Map showing MWA boundaries
• Table listing military contacts (updated 01/09/04)

Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model

---