Construction S olutions InternationalP. O. Box 218

Axis, Alabama 36505Phone (251) 675-6432

Construction Solutions International is pleased to submit our proposal to install Fixed Ground Anchor Positions (F-GAP) that will provide long term anchorage for floating oil booms.

The F-GAP system was developed by Captain Darrell Wallace, of Construction Solutions International to provide a safe and reliable alternative to conventional anchoring of floating containment boom utilized in areas of transitional currents and tidal variations. The F-GAP system will eliminate the need for pilings or spud-barges that are presently being deployed in the Gulf of Mexico as a means of securing protective containment oil booms.

The F-GAP system can be quickly and safely deployed at a fraction of the unit cost of piling. The cost of installation is comparable with conventional anchoring methods and has the advantage of virtually eliminating maintenance while, at the same time, allowing damaged boom sections to be replaced utilizing the same anchor points. Containment boom can be set and removed as needed, always being deployed on the same F-GAP.

The F-GAP system consists of an impact driven ground anchor that can be load-tested to meet and/or exceed a minimum load of 30 KIPS if required.. This system utilizes the Manta-ray ground anchor or other suitable load bearing ground anchor. The depth of penetration into the strata will vary with the type and consistency of the bottom composition to provide a tension capacity within the designed parameters. A single chain attached to the ground anchor will be the only extrusion of the sub-strata. The attachment end of the mooring chain will be secured to a floating buoy by heavy-duty poly line. This line can be directly shackled into the lower curtain connectors of the boom sections at each juncture. Vessels may also be moored to the same F-GAP for skimming operations.

The F-GAP system can be utilized as a single-point system or a two-directional system, where there is need due to stronger currents, greater tidal fluctuations, etc. The F-GAP system can be installed to replace anchors on existing boom deployments or it can be installed in advance of boom deployment.

Please let us know if we can provide any further information on this matter. I can be reached at (251) 377-8233.

Sincerely,

W. D. Conklin Jr.W. D. (Chip) Conklin Jr., P. E.Principal Engineer