DUNSTAN, FRANK M., and LONNIE LEGE, National Audubon Society, Sharon, CT

ABSTRACT: Minimizing Environmental Impacts in Extracting Hydrocarbons from Existing Fields in Louisiana: A Case History of The Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary

Although it is not possible to leave a wilderness area pristine after drilling and extracting hydrocarbons from the environment, there are techniques and ways to minimize environmental impact to operating oil and gas production areas. A brief history of primarily natural gas exploration and production at National Audubon Society's Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary, a 27,000-acre coastal marsh in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, will be presented.

The Sanctuary was acquired by the Society in 1924 through a restricted deed of donation. The Rainey Marsh had, at that time, already been influenced by civilization. Alterations in the form of canals and diking were present prior to Audubon ownership and hydrocarbon discovery. Our paper documents physical alterations to the Sanctuary environment associated with the 50-year period of exploration and extraction. We assess impacts of natural gas development activities on-site as well as major off-site development which influenced the ecological integrity of the Sanctuary. In some cases, on-site extraction activities allowed for wildlife management actions to counter perceived external development threats. Throughout Rainey Sanctuary's hydrocarbon production history, we describe how Audub n has attempted to minimize environmental impacts through various techniques, methods and procedures agreed to by National Audubon Society and the exploration and production companies.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.