Timbalier Bay Onshore - S2

Location

• Timbalier Bay is located in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. It is part of the larger Terrebonne-Timbalier Bay estuarine system.

Oil and Gas Operations

• The area is home to significant oil and gas operations. East Timbalier Island, for instance, is occupied by a major oil and gas operation at the inshore Timbalier Bay Field, which includes numerous oil well platforms.

Offshore Infrastructure

• The Gulf of Mexico offshore areas near Timbalier Bay are part of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and contain several oil and gas lease blocks. These areas, such as the South Pelto and Ship Shoal Borrow Areas, are utilized for various projects, including sand and sediment extraction for coastal restoration.

Coastal Restoration Projects

• There are several coastal restoration projects in the area aimed at restoring the geomorphic and ecological form and function of the islands and marshlands. For example, the East Timbalier Island Restoration Project (TE-118) involves beach and dune fill placement, constructing back-barrier marsh, and creating a feeder beach along West Belle Headland. This project uses sand resources from federally-owned waters and mixed sediment from nearshore state waters.

Environmental and Ecological Aspects

• The restoration projects in the area focus on providing wetland habitat for diverse plant and animal species. These projects involve vegetating restored dunes and back-barrier marsh platforms with native plants to help retain sediment and support ecological health.

Construction and Engineering

• The construction work in the area involves extensive engineering and environmental planning. Projects include the excavation, dredging, and delivery of sediment fill materials, construction of containment dikes, and grading and shaping of the restored areas. The work is carried out with specific equipment and techniques to ensure the stability and ecological integrity of the restored sites.

Pipeline and Infrastructure Coordination

• The area has multiple pipelines, owned by companies such as Kinetica, Enlink, Chevron, and Kinder Morgan, which require coordination during construction and restoration projects to avoid damage and ensure safe access.

Economic and Industrial Activity

• The Timbalier Bay area is part of a larger petroleum province that has been an active source of oil and gas for over 100 years. The Gulf of Mexico Basin, which includes this area, is one of the most productive and complex basins in North America, attracting numerous domestic and international exploration and production companies.

In summary, the Timbalier Bay onshore and offshore area is characterized by significant oil and gas operations, ongoing coastal restoration projects, and complex infrastructure that requires careful planning and coordination to balance economic activities with environmental and ecological considerations.