Managing oil and gas activities in coastal environments: refuge manual

The refuges on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico contain some of the most productive marsh and estuarine systems for fish and wildlife in the Nation. Many of the refuges support a wide variety of land-use practices and have a history of oil and gas activities. Energy development, not only on the refuges, but also on adjacent lands and waters, and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), will place additional stress on the refuges; therefore, it is necessary to devise methods and standards of operation to minimize impacts of the energy development program. The objective of this study was to develop a report which describes and documents the management of oil and gas development on wildlife refuges along the Louisiana and Texas coasts through an analysis of guidelines, standards, and stipulations imposed on development activities in these areas. The report will also assist land managers and other decisionmakers in planning and managing oil and gas development on other public lands; it will help them prepare and review environmental impact statements and permits.