UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended:  June 30, 2012
 
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from _____________ to_____________
 
Commission File Number: 0-15905

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
73-1268729
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(713) 568-4725
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
 
Number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) outstanding as of August 13, 2012: 10,545,690
 


 
 

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT
ON FORM 10-Q
 
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION      
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
    3  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    3  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    4  
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    5  
           
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
    6  
           
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    32  
           
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
    46  
           
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    47  
           
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION        
           
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
    48  
           
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
    48  
           
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    50  
           
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    50  
           
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
    50  
           
Item 5.
Other Information
    50  
           
Item 6.
Exhibits
    51  
           
SIGNATURES     52  

 
2

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
    June 30, 2012     December 31, 2011  
    (Unaudited)        
  ASSETS
 CURRENT ASSETS
           
 Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 478,288     $ 1,822  
 Restricted cash
    192,542       192,004  
 Accounts receivable
    6,113,419       -  
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    247,933       58,713  
 Deposits
    1,248,947       473,026  
 Inventory
    3,778,534       4,533,961  
 Total current assets
    12,059,663       5,259,526  
                 
 Property, plant and equipment, net
    49,037,772       32,307,929  
                 
 Debt issue costs
    549,234       566,133  
 Other assets
    14,221       10,468  
 Trade name
    303,346       -  
 Goodwill
    1,445,720       -  
 TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 63,409,956     $ 38,144,056  
                 
  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
 Accounts payable
  $ 14,261,292     $ 4,841,859  
 Accounts payable, related party
    1,028,817       908,139  
 Note payable
    43,392       46,318  
 Asset retirement obligations, current portion
    149,271       -  
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    931,361       744,921  
 Interest payable, current portion
    1,371,208       995,916  
 Long-term debt, current portion
    1,846,812       1,839,501  
 Total current liabilities
    19,632,153       9,376,654  
                 
 Long-term liabilities:
               
 Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion
    1,206,643       -  
 Long-term debt, net of current portion
    16,343,987       12,455,102  
 Long-term interest payable, net of current portion
    753,929       650,214  
 Total long-term liabilities
    18,304,559       13,105,316  
                 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES
    37,936,712       22,481,970  
                 
 Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
 Common stock ($0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 10,545,690 and 2,098,390
    105,457       20,984  
 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)
               
 Additional paid-in capital
    36,459,818       17,365,405  
 Accumulated deficit
    (11,092,031 )     (1,724,303 )
 Total stockholders' equity
    25,473,244       15,662,086  
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 63,409,956     $ 38,144,056  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
 
    Three Months Ended June 30,    
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS
                       
Refined product sales
  $ 84,416,296     $ -     $ 130,187,259     $ -  
Pipeline operations
    124,476       -       194,386       -  
Oil and gas sales
    250,081       -       450,421       -  
                                 
Total revenue from operations
    84,790,853       -       130,832,066       -  
                                 
COST OF OPERATIONS
                               
Cost of refined products sold
    88,051,229       -       133,692,455       -  
Refinery operating expenses
    2,239,914       -       3,302,665       -  
Pipeline operating expenses
    127,502       -       237,120       -  
Lease operating expenses
    298,962       -       500,675       -  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
    520,390       4,306       798,352       8,614  
General and administrative expenses
    734,720       177,112       1,260,307       290,940  
Accretion expense
    41,685       -       65,460       -  
                                 
Total cost of operations
    92,014,402       181,418       139,857,034       299,554  
                                 
Loss from operations
    (7,223,549 )     (181,418 )     (9,024,968 )     (299,554 )
                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                               
Net tank rental revenue
    81,364       353,709       175,319       696,454  
Interest and other income
    2,265       295       3,915       6,389  
Interest expense
    (275,333 )     (12,061 )     (508,850 )     (24,372 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
    -       -       -       -  
Total other income (expense)
    (191,704 )     341,943       (329,616 )     678,471  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (7,415,253 )     160,525       (9,354,584 )     378,917  
                                 
                                 
Income tax benefit (expense)
    17,419       -       (13,144 )     -  
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (7,397,834 )   $ 160,525     $ (9,367,728 )   $ 378,917  
                                 
Income (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.70 )   $ 160,525     $ (1.18 )   $ 378,917  
Diluted
  $ (0.70 )   $ 160,525     $ (1.18 )   $ 378,917  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    10,541,853       1       7,916,129       1  
Diluted
    10,541,853       1       7,916,129       1  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (9,367,728 )   $ 378,917  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
               
provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
    792,642       8,615  
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    126,983       -  
Amortization of debt issue costs
    16,899       16,899  
Amortization of intangible assets
    5,710       -  
Accretion expense
    65,460       -  
Common stock issued for services
    119,000       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisition in 2012)
 
Restricted cash
    (538 )     (589 )
Accounts receivable
    (5,589,773 )     -  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    106,442       -  
Deposits
    (775,921 )     (68,407 )
Inventory
    810,594       (1,698 )
Abandonment costs incurred
    (3,685 )     -  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    8,654,107       14,613  
Accounts payable, related party
    2,022,546       183,419  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (3,017,262 )     531,769  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Capital expenditures
    (2,074,137 )     (505,670 )
Cash acquired on Acquisition
    1,674,594       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (399,543 )     (505,670 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    4,759,393       -  
Payments on long term debt
    (847,197 )     (21,066 )
Payments on notes payable
    (18,925 )     (5,034 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    3,893,271       (26,100 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    476,466       (1 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    1,822       733  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 478,288     $ 732  
                 
Supplemental Information:
               
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Financing of insurance premiums
  $ 82,560     $ -  
Related party payable converted to equity
  $ 993,732     $ -  
Acquisition of Blue Dolpin at fair value, inclusive
               
of cash acquired of $1,674,594
  $ 18,046,154     $ -  
Accrued services payable converted to common stock
  $ 20,000     $ -  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
(1)   Organization

Company Operations
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company (referred to herein, with its predecessors and subsidiaries, as “Blue Dolphin,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a Delaware corporation, was formed in 1986 as a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Our operating subsidiaries include:
 
-   Lazarus Energy, LLC (“LE”), a Delaware limited liability company (petroleum processing assets);
-   Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company, a Delaware corporation (pipeline operations);
-   Blue Dolphin Petroleum Company, a Delaware corporation (exploration and production activities);
-   Blue Dolphin Services Co., a Texas corporation (administrative services);
-   Blue Dolphin Exploration Company, a Delaware corporation (inactive); and
-   Petroport, Inc., a Delaware corporation (inactive).

(2)   Acquisition

During the first quarter of 2012, Blue Dolphin acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of LE, a Delaware limited liability company, from Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“LEH”) (the “Acquisition”).  The Acquisition was effective February 15, 2012.   As consideration for LE, Blue Dolphin issued, in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 8,393,560 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to anti-dilution adjustments, to LEH (the “Original BDEC Shares”).  Additionally, on February 21, 2012, pursuant to anti-dilution provisions, Blue Dolphin issued, in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, 32,896 shares of Common Stock to LEH (the “Anti-Dilution Shares” and together with the Original BDEC Shares, the “BDEC Shares”). As a result of Blue Dolphin’s issuance of the BDEC Shares, LEH owns 80% of Blue Dolphin’s issued and outstanding Common Stock.  The issuance of the BDEC Shares to LEH resulted in a change in control of Blue Dolphin.  

LE owns a petroleum refinery located in Nixon, Texas (the “Nixon Facility”). The processing plant at the Nixon Facility is currently in a recommissioning phase and has not yet reached its full operational capacity.  The tank farm has 120,000 barrels of crude oil storage capacity and 148,000 barrels of refined product storage capacity.  The Nixon Facility has the capability to produce products such as Non-Road, Locomotive, and Marine Diesel Fuels, kerosene, jet fuel and intermediate products such as liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha and atmospheric gas oil.  LE has leased 20,000 barrels of refined product storage capacity to Genesis Energy, LLC (“Genesis”). Once the lease expires, we plan to use the tanks for our own operations.

The Acquisition has been accounted for as a reverse merger using accounting principles applicable to reverse acquisitions whereby the financial statements subsequent to the date of the transaction are presented as a continuation of LE.  Under reverse acquisition accounting, LE (the legal subsidiary) has been treated as the accounting parent (acquirer) and Blue Dolphin (the legal parent) has been treated as the accounting subsidiary (acquiree).  Accordingly, the financial statements subsequent to the date of the transaction are presented herein as the continuation of LE.

The value assigned to the purchase price was allocated to Blue Dolphin’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on their fair values on the transaction closing date.  LE’s purchase price to acquire Blue Dolphin was based on the fair value of Blue Dolphin’s issued and outstanding common stock at February 15, 2012, which was 2,098,390 shares, multiplied by Blue Dolphin’s closing stock price of $8.60 on February 15, 2012, the transaction closing date.  This resulted in a fair value assessment of Blue Dolphin of $18,046,154.
 
 
6

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
In connection with the Acquisition, we engaged an independent third-party to fair value the net assets of Blue Dolphin.  Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation of the net assets acquired as of the acquisition date, as well as the measurement period adjustments that were made in the second quarter of 2012:

The above estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on information that was available as of the acquisition date to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  As of June 30, 2012 the measurement period adjustments for Blue Dolphin are complete.

Goodwill recognized in the transaction is related to the expected value to be received from the combination of LE’s crude oil and condensate processing facility and Blue Dolphin’s pipeline and facilities, oil and gas properties and operational expertise.

From the date of the Acquisition (February 15, 2012) until June 30, 2012, Blue Dolphin’s revenue and net loss included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2012, was $374,557, and  $976,811 respectively.  Blue Dolphin’s revenue and net loss included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012, was $644,807, and $1,490,351 respectively.
 
   
February 15, 2012
   
Measurement
   
Purchase Price Allocation
 
   
As Intially
   
Period
   
(As Adjusted)
 
   
Reported
   
Adjustments
   
February 15, 2012
 
                   
Current assets
  $ 2,466,901     $ -     $ 2,466,901  
Oil and gas properties
    1,503,596       3,639,279       5,142,875  
Pipelines
    4,466,273       4,757,563       9,223,836  
Onshore separation and handling facilities
    325,435       -       325,435  
Land
    473,225       -       473,225  
Other property and equipment
    282,972       -       282,972  
Other long term assets
    9,463       -       9,463  
Trade name
    184,368       118,978       303,346  
Goodwill
    8,667,401       (7,221,681 )     1,445,720  
Total assets acquired
    18,379,634       1,294,139       19,673,773  
                         
Current liabilities
    333,480       -       333,480  
Asset retirement obligations
    -       1,294,139       1,294,139  
Total liabilities assumed
    333,480       1,294,139       1,627,619  
                         
Net assets acquired
  $ 18,046,154     $ -     $ 18,046,154  
 
 
7

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Supplemental Pro Forma Information
 
The following pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 consolidate the historical consolidated statements of operations of Blue Dolphin and LE giving effect to the Acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2011, respectively.  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Historical
         
Proforma
   
Historical
         
Proforma
 
   
Blue Dolphin
   
LE
   
Consolidated
   
Blue Dolphin
   
LE
   
Consolidated
 
                                     
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS
                                   
Refined product sales
  $ -     $ 84,416,296     $ 84,416,296     $ -     $ 130,187,259     $ 130,187,259  
Pipeline operations
    124,476       -       124,476       233,810       -       233,810  
Oil and gas sales
    250,081       -       250,081       560,779       -       560,779  
                                                 
     Total revenue from operations
    374,557       84,416,296       84,790,853       794,589       130,187,259       130,981,848  
                                                 
COST OF OPERATIONS
                                               
Cost of refined products sold
    -       88,051,229       88,051,229       -       133,692,455       133,692,455  
Refinery operating expenses
    -       2,239,914       2,239,914       -       3,302,665       3,302,665  
Pipeline operating expenses
    127,502       -       127,502       296,585       -       296,585  
Lease operating expenses
    298,962       -       298,962       603,399       -       603,399  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
    228,184       292,206       520,390       352,771       487,110       839,881  
General and administrative expenses
    656,056       78,664       734,720       1,196,126       237,125       1,433,251  
Accretion expense
    41,685       -       41,685       77,347       -       77,347  
                                                 
     Total cost of operations
    1,352,389       90,662,013       92,014,402       2,526,228       137,719,355       140,245,583  
                                                 
Loss from operations
    (977,832 )     (6,245,717 )     (7,223,549 )     (1,731,639 )     (7,532,096 )     (9,263,735 )
                                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                                               
Net tank rental revenue
    -       81,364       81,364       -       175,319       175,319  
Interest and other income
    1,877       388       2,265       4,216       538       4,754  
Interest expense
    (856 )     (274,477 )     (275,333 )     (856 )     (507,994 )     (508,850 )
     Total other income (expense)
    1,021       (192,725 )     (191,704 )     3,360       (332,137 )     (328,777 )
                                                 
Loss before income taxes
    (976,811 )     (6,438,442 )     (7,415,253 )     (1,728,279 )     (7,864,233 )     (9,592,512 )
                                                 
Income tax expense
    -       17,419       17,419       -       (13,144 )     (13,144 )
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (976,811 )   $ (6,421,023 )   $ (7,397,834 )   $ (1,728,279 )   $ (7,877,377 )   $ (9,605,656 )

No columns for adjustments are reflected as there were no adjustments for the periods indicated.
 
 
8

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Historical
         
Proforma
   
Historical
         
Proforma
 
   
Blue Dolphin
   
LE
   
Consolidated
   
Blue Dolphin
   
LE
   
Consolidated
 
                                     
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS
                                   
Pipeline operations
  $ 267,375     $ -     $ 267,375     $ 610,005     $ -     $ 610,005  
Oil and gas sales
    353,027       -       353,027       702,731       -       702,731  
                                                 
     Total revenue from operations
    620,402       -       620,402       1,312,736       -       1,312,736  
                                                 
COST OF OPERATIONS
                                               
Pipeline operating expenses
    245,032       -       245,032       466,366       -       466,366  
Lease operating expenses
    271,836       -       271,836       530,279       -       530,279  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
    136,828       4,306       141,134       283,536       8,614       292,150  
General and administrative expenses
    349,245       177,112       526,357       822,636       290,940       1,113,576  
Accretion expense
    32,993       -       32,993       66,079       -       66,079  
                                                 
     Total cost of operations
    1,035,934       181,418       1,217,352       2,168,896       299,554       2,468,450  
                                                 
Loss from operations
    (415,532 )     (181,418 )     (596,950 )     (856,160 )     (299,554 )     (1,155,714 )
                                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                                               
Net tank rental revenue
    -       353,709       353,709       -       696,454       696,454  
Interest and other income
    1,598       295       1,893       10,138       6,389       16,527  
Interest expense
    -       (12,061 )     (12,061 )     -       (24,372 )     (24,372 )
     Total other income (expense)
    1,598       341,943       343,541       10,138       678,471       688,609  
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (413,934 )     160,525       (253,409 )     (846,022 )     378,917       (467,105 )
                                                 
Income tax expense
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (413,934 )   $ 160,525     $ (253,409 )   $ (846,022 )   $ 378,917     $ (467,105 )
 
No columns for adjustments are reflected as there were no adjustments for the periods indicated.
 
 
9

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(3)   Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation

We have prepared our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), as codified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in its Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  In the opinion of management, such condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fair condensed consolidated statements of operations, financial position and cash flows.  We believe that the disclosures are adequate and the presented information is not misleading.  This report has been prepared in accordance with the SEC’s Form 10-Q instructions and therefore, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations.

The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2012.

Use of Estimates

We have made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of condensed consolidated assets and liabilities and to the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP.  While we believe current estimates are reasonable and appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.  Cash balances are maintained in depository and overnight investment accounts with financial institutions that, at times, exceed insured limits.  We monitor the financial condition of the financial institutions and have experienced no losses associated with these accounts.

Restricted Cash
 
Restricted cash was $192,542 and $192,004 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  These amounts relate to escrow accounts for potential environmental matters and loan repayments.

Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms.  The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of the amount of probable credit losses existing in our accounts receivable.  We have a limited number of customers with individually large amounts due at any given date. Any unanticipated change in any one of these customers’ credit worthiness or other matters affecting the collectability of amounts due from such customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which such changes or events occur. We regularly review all of our aged accounts receivables for collectability and establish an allowance as necessary for individual customer balances.  As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no allowance recorded related to trade accounts receivable.

We had three customers that accounted for 79% of our total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  We had three customers that accounted for approximately 69% of our total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The three customers represented approximately $3.4 million of accounts receivable at June 30, 2012.
 
 
10

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Inventory

Our inventory primarily consists of refined petroleum products valued at lower of cost or market with costs being determined by the average cost method.
 
Price-Risk Management Activities

In May 2012, we implemented an inventory risk management policy under which Genesis Energy, LLC (“Genesis”) may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments as economic hedges to reduce our refined product inventory commodity price risk.  We follow ASC guidance for derivatives and hedging related to stand alone derivative instruments. These contracts are not sugject to hedge accounting treatment under ASC 815.  Accordingly, even though such hedge positions are direct contractual obligations of Genesis and not us, we nevertheless record the fair value of these Genesis hedges in our condensed consolidated balance sheet each quarter because of contractual arrangements between Genesis and us under which we are effectively exposed to the potential gains or losses.  Changes in the fair value from quarter to quarter are recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Property and Equipment
 
Refinery and Facilities .  Additions to refinery and facilities are capitalized. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance, including maintenance turnarounds, are charged to expense as incurred. As a startup facility, maintenance turnaround expenses are not material and are not expected to be material in the next twelve to eighteen months. Management expects to continue making improvements to our refinery assets based on technological advances.
 
Refinery and facilities are carried at cost. Adjustment of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation accounts are made for refinery and facilities’ retirements and disposals, with the resulting gain or loss included in the statements of operations.
 
For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of refinery and facilities is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 25 years when the refinery and facilities are placed in service.
 
Management has evaluated the guidance in the ASC related to asset retirement obligation for its refinery and facilities.  Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities.  Further, management believes that these assets have indeterminate lives under ASC guidance for estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time.  When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques. We did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011.

Oil and Gas Properties .   We account for our oil and gas properties using the full-cost method of accounting, whereby all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, including directly related internal costs, are capitalized on a cost center basis.  We use one cost center for domestic properties and one cost center for foreign properties. Amortization of such costs and estimated future development costs are determined using the unit-of-production method. Costs directly associated with the acquisition and evaluation of unproved properties are excluded from the amortization computation until it is determined whether or not proved reserves can be assigned to the properties or impairment has occurred.

Current estimated proved oil and gas reserves were based on reports prepared by third-party petroleum engineering consulting firms.  For determining impairment of our oil and gas properties, we are required on a quarterly basis to determine whether the book value of our oil and natural gas properties (excluding unevaluated properties) is less than or equal to a “ceiling,” which is determined based upon the expected after tax present value (discounted at 10%) of the future net cash flows from our proved reserves, calculated using prevailing oil and natural gas prices on the last day of the period, or a subsequent higher price under certain circumstances.  Any excess of the net book value of our oil and natural gas properties over the ceiling must be recognized as a non-cash impairment expense.  We did not have any impairment of our oil and gas properties for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
 
11

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Pipelines and Facilities Assets .  Pipelines and facilities assets are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 22 years. In accordance with the ASC guidance on accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment based on the ability to identify separate cash flows generated therefrom.  We did not have any impairment of our pipelines and facilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

Construction in Progress .  Construction in progress consists of costs we incurred to purchase and refurbish the Nixon Facility.  Amounts were capitalized as incurred and depreciation began when the Nixon Facility became operational. Capitalized interest, which was added to the cost of the underlying assets, will be amortized over the useful life of the Nixon Facility.

Trade Name

In connection with the Acquisition, we recognized $303,346 as trade name.  We have determined our trade name to have an indefinite useful life.  We perform an evaluation for impairment of our trade name either annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment test is considered necessary.
 
Goodwill
 
We recognized goodwill in connection with our Acquisition.  Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and reflects the amount of the purchase consideration that exceeded the fair value of Blue Dolphin’s net assets.  We perform an evaluation for impairment of goodwill either annually or when events and circumstances indicate a goodwill impairment test is considered necessary.

Debt Issue Costs

Debt issue costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related debt using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. When a loan is paid in full, any unamortized financing costs are removed from the related accounts and charged to operations.  Debt issue costs of $675,980, net of accumulated amortization in the amount of $126,746 and $109,847 at June 30, 2012 and at December 31, 2011, respectively, are being amortized over the life of the loan.  Amortization expense, which is included in interest expense, was $8,450 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  Amortization expense was $16,899 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Revenue Recognition

Refined Products Revenue .  We sell various refined products including naphtha, distillates and atmospheric gas oil.  Revenue from refined product sales is recognized when title passes, while revenue from services is recognized when services are provided. Title passage occurs when refined products are delivered in accordance with the terms of the respective sales agreements. In addition, revenue is not recognized until sales prices are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
 
 
12

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Revenue for refined products sold is recorded upon delivery of the refined products to customers, which is the point at which title is transferred.  The customer assumes the risk of loss when payment is received or collection is reasonably assured. Transportation, shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of refined products sold. Excise and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in revenue.

Tank Storage Rental Revenue .  Revenue from tank storage rental is recorded on a straight line basis in accordance with the terms of the related lease agreement.   The lessee is invoiced monthly for the amount of rent due for the related period.

Recognition of Oil and Gas Revenue .  Sales from producing wells are recognized on the entitlement method of accounting, which defers recognition of sales when, and to the extent that, deliveries to customers exceed our net revenue interest in production.  Similarly, when deliveries are below our net revenue interest in production, sales are recorded to reflect the full net revenue interest.  Our imbalance liability at June 30, 2012 was not material.

Pipeline Transportation Revenue .  Revenue from our pipeline operations is derived from fee-based contracts and is typically based on transportation fees per unit of volume transported multiplied by the volume delivered.  Revenue is recognized when volumes have been physically delivered for the customer through the pipeline.

Income Taxes

We provide for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is a recognition process whereby we determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is a measurement process whereby a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We have evaluated recent accounting pronouncements and determined that they do not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
 
 
13

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)

(4)   Business Segment Information

We are engaged in three lines of business: (i) ownership of crude oil and condensate processing assets, (ii) pipeline transportation services to producers/shippers and (iii) oil and gas exploration and production.  Our primary assets include the Nixon Facility, oil and natural gas pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico region and oil and natural gas leasehold interests in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the North Sumatra Basin offshore Indonesia.

Management uses earnings before interest expense and income taxes (“EBIT”), a non-GAAP financial measure, to assess the operating results and effectiveness of our business segments, which consist of our consolidated businesses and investments.  We believe EBIT is useful to our investors because it allows them to evaluate our operating performance using the same performance measure analyzed internally by management.  EBIT is adjusted for: (i) items that do not impact our income or loss from continuing operations, such as the impact of accounting changes, (ii) income taxes and (iii) interest expense (or income). We exclude interest expense (or income) and other expenses or income not pertaining to the operations of our segments from this measure so that investors may evaluate our current operating results without regard to our financing methods or capital structure.  We understand that EBIT may not be comparable to measurements used by other companies. Additionally, EBIT should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) and other performance measures such as operating cash flows.

Following is a reconciliation of our EBIT (by business segment) for the three months ended June 30, 2012, and at June 30, 2012:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Segment
             
   
Crude Oil
         
Oil and Gas
             
   
and Condensate
   
Pipeline
   
Exploration &
   
Corporate &
       
   
Processing
   
Transportation
   
Production
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 84,416,296     $ 124,476     $ 250,081     $ -     $ 84,790,853  
Operation cost (2)
    90,369,807       241,503       503,922       378,780       91,494,012  
Depletion, depreciation
                                       
and amortization
    292,206       167,254       57,361       3,569       520,390  
Other non-interest income
    81,364       -       -       -       81,364  
EBIT
  $ (6,164,353 )   $ (284,281 )   $ (311,203 )   $ (382,349 )   $ (7,142,185 )
                                         
Capital expenditures
  $ 724,805     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 724,805  
                                         
Identifiable assets (3)
  $ 44,975,160     $ 11,969,394     $ 5,451,217     $ 1,014,185     $ 63,409,956  
___________________
(1)   
Includes unallocated general and administrative costs associated with corporate maintenance costs (such as director fees and legal expenses).
(2)   
General and administrative costs are allocated based on revenue.  In addition, the effect of the economic hedges on our refined products, executed by Genesis, is included within operation cost of our Crude Oil and Condensate Processing group.  Cost of refined products sold includes a realized loss of $1,601 and an unrealized loss of $126,983 for the three months ended June 30, 2012.
(3)   
Identifiable assets contain related legal obligations of each segment including cash, accounts receivable and payable and recorded net assets.
 
 
14

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)

Following is a reconciliation of our EBIT (by business segment) for the three months ended June 30, 2011, and at June 30, 2011:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Segment
             
   
Crude Oil
         
Oil and Gas
             
   
and Condensate
   
Pipeline
   
Exploration &
   
Corporate &
       
   
Processing
   
Transportation
   
Production
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Operation cost (2)
    177,112       -       -       -       177,112  
Depletion, depreciation
                                       
and amortization
    4,306       -       -       -       4,306  
Other non-interest income
    353,709       -       -       -       353,709  
EBIT
  $ 172,291     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 172,291  
                                         
Capital expenditures
  $ 289,212     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 289,212  
                                         
Identifiable assets (3)
  $ 30,320,141     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 30,320,141  
________________
(1)   
Includes unallocated general and administrative costs associated with corporate maintenance costs (such as director fees and legal expenses).
(2)   
General and administrative costs are allocated based on revenue.
(3)   
Identifiable assets contain related legal obligations of each segment including cash, accounts receivable and payable and recorded net assets.

Following is a reconciliation of our EBIT (by business segment) for the six months ended June 30, 2012, and at June 30, 2012:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Segment
             
   
Crude Oil
         
Oil and Gas
             
   
and Condensate
   
Pipeline
   
Exploration &
   
Corporate &
       
   
Processing
   
Transportation
   
Production
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 130,187,259     $ 194,386     $ 450,421     $ -     $ 130,832,066  
Operation cost (2)
    137,232,245       437,220       892,798       496,419       139,058,682  
Depletion, depreciation
    -       -       -       -          
and amortization
    487,110       225,554       79,570       6,118       798,352  
Other non-interest income
    175,319       -       -       -       175,319  
EBIT
  $ (7,356,777 )   $ (468,388 )   $ (521,948 )   $ (502,537 )   $ (8,849,649 )
                                         
Capital expenditures
  $ 2,074,137     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,074,137  
                                         
Identifiable assets (3)
  $ 44,975,160     $ 11,969,394     $ 5,451,217     $ 1,014,185     $ 63,409,956  
_______________
(1)   
Includes unallocated general and administrative costs associated with corporate maintenance costs (such as director fees and legal expenses).
(2)   
General and administrative costs are allocated based on revenue.  In addition, the effect of the economic hedges on our refined products, executed by Genesis, is included within operation cost of our Crude Oil and Condensate Processing group. Cost of refined products sold includes a realized loss of $1,601 and an unrealized loss of $126,983 for the six months ended June 30, 2012.
(3)   
Identifiable assets contain related legal obligations of each segment including cash, accounts receivable and payable and recorded net assets.
 
 
15

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Following is a reconciliation of our EBIT (by business segment) for the six months ended June 30, 2011, and at June 30, 2011:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Segment
             
   
Crude Oil
         
Oil and Gas
             
   
and Condensate
   
Pipeline
   
Exploration &
   
Corporate &
       
   
Processing
   
Transportation
   
Production
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Operation cost (2)
    290,940       -       -       -       290,940  
Depletion, depreciation
    -       -       -       -          
and amortization
    8,614       -       -       -       8,614  
Other non-interest income
    696,454       -       -       -       696,454  
EBIT
  $ 396,900     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 396,900  
                                         
Capital expenditures
  $ 505,670     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 505,670  
                                         
Identifiable assets (3)
  $ 30,320,141     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 30,320,141  
________________
(1)   
Includes unallocated general and administrative costs associated with corporate maintenance costs (such as director fees and legal expenses).
(2)   
General and administrative costs are allocated based on revenue.
(3)   
Identifiable assets contain related legal obligations of each segment including cash, accounts receivable and payable and recorded net assets.
 
(5)   Fair Value Measurement

We are subject to the gain or loss on financial assets based on our various agreements and understandings with Genesis.  Pursuant to these agreements and understandings, Genesis can execute, on our behalf, the purchase and sale of certain financial instruments for the purpose of economically hedging certain commodity risks associated with our refined products inventory and, over time, this program may also include mitigating certain risks associated with the purchase of crude oil inputs.  Based on our agreements with Genesis, we are liable for any gains or losses associated with the purchase and/or sale of such financial instruments on our behalf by Genesis and such instruments represent embedded derivatives for the purpose of financial reporting.  Accordingly, we account for such embedded derivatives in our books and records by utilizing the market approach when measuring fair value of our financial instruments (typically in current assets and/or liabilities, as discussed below). The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by such market transactions executed on our behalf involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs, which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable and cannot be corroborated by market data or other entity-specific inputs.
 
 
16

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximated their fair values at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 due to their short-term maturities. The following table represents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and the basis for that measurement:
 
          Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2012 Using  
   
Carrying Value as at June 30, 2012
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
                         
Financial liabilties:
                       
Commodity contracts
  $ 126,983     $ 126,983     $ -     $ -  

Carrying amounts of commodity contracts executed by Genesis are reflected as financial liabilities in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
(6)   Refined Products Inventory Risk Management

Under our refined products inventory risk management policy Genesis may, but is not required to, use gasoline and distillate futures contracts to mitigate the change in value for a portion of our inventory volumes subject to market price fluctuations in our inventory. The physical volumes are not exchanged, and these contracts are net settled by Genesis with cash.

The fair value of these contracts is reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the related net gain or loss is recorded within cost of refined products sold in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1) are considered to determine the fair values for the purpose of marking to market the financial instruments at each period end. At June 30, 2012, we had open commodity instruments consisting of refined product futures on 22,000 net barrels to protect the value of certain refined product and blendstock inventories. The fair value of the outstanding contracts at June 30, 2012 was a net unrealized loss of approximately $127,000 comprised of short-term unrealized losses, which is reflected within accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2011, there were no commodity instruments with open positions.

Commodity transactions are executed by Genesis to minimize transaction costs, monitor consolidated net exposures and allow for increased responsiveness to changes in market factors. Genesis may, but is not required to, initiate an economic hedge on our refined products when our inventory levels exceed targeted levels (currently 1.5 days production).  Although the decision to enter into a futures contract is made solely by Genesis, Genesis typically confers with management as part of their decision making process.
 
 
17

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Due to mark-to-market accounting during the term of the commodity contracts, significant unrealized non-cash net gains and losses could be recorded in our results of operations. Additionally, Genesis may be required to collateralize any mark-to-market losses on outstanding commodity contracts.

As of June 30, 2012, we had the following outstanding obligation based on futures contracts of refined products that were entered into as economic hedges, through Genesis. The information presents the notional volume of outstanding contracts by type of instrument and year of maturity (volumes in thousand barrels):

   
Notional Contract Volumes by Year of Maturity
 
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
 
Inventory positions (futures):
                       
Refined products - net short (long) positions     22       -       -       -  
 
(7)   Inventories

Inventory balances consisted of the following:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Low-sulfur diesel
  $ 445,857     $ 2,193,864  
Naphtha
    2,759,078       1,067,011  
Atmospheric gas oil
    400,445       1,010,877  
Other liquids
    55,068       64,486  
Propane
    43,877       59,599  
Crude
    74,209       134,289  
Supplies
    -       3,835  
    $ 3,778,534     $ 4,533,961  
 
 
 
18

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(8)   Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Refinery and facilities
  $ 33,784,022     $ -  
Oil and gas properties (full-cost method)
    5,144,973       -  
Pipelines and facilities
    9,223,836       -  
Onshore separation and handling facilities
    325,435       -  
Land
    577,965       104,740  
Other property and equipment
    521,630       217,136  
      49,577,861       321,876  
                 
Less:  Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization
    855,084       62,443  
      48,722,777       259,433  
                 
Construction in Progress
    314,995       32,048,496  
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
  $ 49,037,772     $ 32,307,929  

(9)   Accounts Payable, Related Party Transactions

As part of the Acquisition, LEH, which owns 80% of our issued and outstanding common stock, manages and operates the Nixon Facility and our other operations (the “Services”) pursuant to a Management Agreement dated February 15, 2012 (the “Management Agreement”).

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, LEH receives as compensation for Services, the right to receive (i) weekly payments based on revenues from the sale of diesel blend stocks processed by the Nixon Facility not to exceed $750,000 per month, (ii) reimbursement for certain accounting costs related to the preparation of financial statements of LE not to exceed $50,000 per month, (iii) $0.25 for each barrel processed at the Nixon Facility during the term of the Management Agreement, up to a maximum quantity of 10,000 barrels per day determined on a monthly basis, and (iv) $2.50 for each barrel processed at the Nixon Facility during the term of the Management Agreement, determined on a monthly basis. We further agreed to reimburse LEH at cost for all reasonable expenses incurred while performing the Services. All compensation owed to LEH under the Management Agreement is to be paid to LEH within 30 days of the end of each calendar month. The Management Agreement expires upon the earliest to occur of (a) the date of the termination of the Joint Marketing Agreement between LE and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC (“GEL”) dated August 12, 2011(the “Joint Marketing Agreement”), which has an initial term of three years and year-to-year renewals at the option of either party thereafter, (b) August 12, 2014, or (c) upon written notice of either party to the Management Agreement of a material breach of the Management Agreement by the other party. If the Management Agreement is renewed after the expiration of its initial term, then it will thereafter be reviewed on an annual basis by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) and it may be terminated if the Board determines that the Management Agreement is no longer in our best interests.
 
Herbert N.Whitney, a member of the Board, currently serves as a consultant to LEH.
 
 
19

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Aggregate amounts expensed for Services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were $2,239,914 (approximately $2.85 per barrel) and $3,302,665 (approximately $2.85 per barrel), respectively.  At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amounts outstanding to LEH for Services were $1,028,817 and $908,140, respectively, and are reflected in accounts payable, related party in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  LE related party payable was converted to LE’s members’ equity in the amount of $993,732 on Acquisition.

(10)   Note Payable
 
In January 2010, LE issued a $100,000 short-term note as payment for financing costs.  The balance on this note was $31,317 and $46,318 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The unsecured note, which bears interest at 10% and was originally due in January 2012, has been extended to December 2012.
 
In March 2012, LE acquired two used trucks for use at the Nixon Facility under a short-term note payable.  The balance on this note was $12,075 at June 30, 2012.  The unsecured note bears interest at 5%.
 
(11)    Asset Retirement Obligations

We have asset retirement obligations associated with the future abandonment, dismantlement and removal of our pipelines and facilities and our oil and gas properties.  The following table summarizes our asset retirement obligation related to our pipelines and facilities and oil and gas properties:
 
Fair value of asset retirement obligations at February 15, 2012
  $ 1,294,139  
Liabilities incurred
    -  
Liabilities settled
    (3,685 )
Accretion expense
    65,460  
Asset retirement obligations as of June 30, 2012
    1,355,914  
         
Less:  current portion of asset retirement obligations
    149,271  
Asset retirement obligations, long-term balance
       
   at June 30, 2012
  $ 1,206,643  

Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove our refinery and facilities assets. Management further believes that our refinery and facilities assets have indeterminate lives under ASC guidance for estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time.  When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques .
 
 
20

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(12)   Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt consists of notes payable, construction financing and capital leases with third-parties as follows:

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Refinery Loan
  $ 9,315,826     $ 9,669,173  
Notre Dame Debt
    1,300,000       1,300,000  
Construction and Funding Agreement
    7,572,040       3,319,193  
Captial Leases
    2,933       6,237  
      18,190,799       14,294,603  
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
    1,846,812       1,839,501  
    $ 16,343,987     $ 12,455,102  

Refinery Loan .  In September 2008, LE obtained a loan payable to First International Bank (which, together with its successors in interest, are referred to as “FIB”) under a promissory note in the amount of $10,000,000 (the “Refinery Loan”). The Refinery Loan, which is currently in default, accrues interest at a rate of prime plus 2.25% and has a maturity date of October 2028.  The Refinery Loan is: (i) secured by a first lien on the refinery and general assets of LE and (ii) subject to certain restrictive financial covenants related to debt to net worth and current ratio.  Interest was accrued on the Refinery Loan in the amount of $1,179,831 and $967,567 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

In August 2011, LE entered into a Forbearance Agreement with FIB (the “Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement”) that provided for a reduced minimum monthly payment of $60,000. The initial forbearance period under the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement was one year (the “Initial Forbearance Period”).  The Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement provided for an additional one year extension period beyond the Initial Forbearance Period to August 12, 2013 (the “Extended Forbearance Period”), if we satisfied certain forbearance extension conditions (the “Forbearance Extension Conditions”) within the Initial Forbearance Period, as follows:

  
FIB must have received payments in the amount of either the tank storage fee or regular monthly payment, as applicable, during each of the 12 months of the Initial Forbearance Period;
  
Milam Services, Inc., an affiliate of Genesis (“Milam”), must have completed the services under the Construction and Funding Contract between LE and Milam dated August 12, 2011 (the “Construction and Funding Agreement”); and
  
The Nixon Facility must have been operational and generating gross profits to the extent that FIB was receiving not only regular monthly payments, but also payments of its 50% portion of the LE profit share (as determined under the Joint Marketing Agreement) in reduction of some portion of the arrearage.

During the Initial Forbearance Period and any Extended Forbearance Period and any extensions thereof, we remain subject to the terms, conditions and covenants of the Refinery Loan, other than those that qualified as existing defaults at the time we entered into the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement.  Further, FIB can terminate the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement and any extensions thereof at any time if any termination events (the “Termination Events”) occur, as follows:

  
We do not, upon the Nixon Facility becoming operational, and the cessation of the payment of tank storage fees by Genesis to us, make a monthly payment in the amount of $69,443 to FIB each month;
  
There is a default  under the Refinery Loan (other than the existing default) that is not cured within 30 days subject to certain extensions;
  
There is a default under the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, the Construction and Funding Agreement, the Joint Marketing Agreement or the Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement between LE and GEL dated August 12, 2011 (the “Crude Supply Agreement”) and such default continues for 10 days after its occurrence; or
  
LE files for bankruptcy protection or takes part in any other insolvency proceeding, seeks relief under any debtor relief law or had a receiver or similar official appointed.
 
 
21

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
In October 2011, FIB was acquired by American First National Bank (“AFNB”), which became the holder of the Refinery Loan.  In June 2012, AFNB sent a letter to the borrower and guarantors of the Refinery Loan (the “Borrowers”) outlining what AFNB believed to be contraventions to certain provisions of the Refinery Loan, the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, the Deed of Trust and the Security Agreement, including an assertion that the merger between Blue Dolphin and LE represented a change of control of LE.  The Borrowers responded to AFNB expressing a belief that they are in compliance with provisions of the Refinery Loan, the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, the Deed of Trust and the Security Agreement.

As of the date of filing of this report, management believes that we have satisfied the Forbearance Extension Conditions and no Termination Events have occurred.  If the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement is rightfully terminated, AFNB may demand payment of all of the amounts owed under the Refinery Loan and commence foreclosure proceedings, which would result in a material adverse effect on us.

Once all past due principal, interest, costs, fees and taxes have been paid under the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, LE is required to resume payments of $83,333.33 per month for a period of 12 consecutive months to AFNB in order to replenish the $1.0 million payment reserve required by the Refinery Loan.  After all past due principal and interest (as well as costs, fees and taxes) have been paid, the Refinery Loan will be re-amortized and will have a maturity date of October 1, 2028.

Notre Dame Debt .  LE obtained a loan in the original amount of $8,000,000 pursuant to a promissory note previously held by Notre Dame Investors, Inc. and currently held by John Kissick (the “Notre Dame Debt”). The note, which is currently in default, accrues interest at the default rate of 16% and is secured by a second lien on the refinery and general assets of LE.  Interest was accrued on the note in the amount of $753,929 and $650,214 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

In August 2011, LE entered into an intercreditor and subordination agreement under which Mr. Kissick, as second lienholder on the Nixon Facility, agreed to forebear his rights under the note evidencing the Notre Dame Debt for so long as amounts are outstanding on our more senior construction funding obligations. Further, in a letter agreement in August 2011, Mr. Kissick confirmed, acknowledged and agreed not to institute a suit or other proceeding against LE to foreclose upon any liens that have been established pursuant to the Notre Dame Debt or exercise any other rights or remedies pursuant to the promissory note under applicable law or otherwise so long as the Joint Marketing Agreement is in effect and has not been terminated.  The Joint Marketing Agreement expires in August 2014.

As of June 30, 2012, the Joint Marketing Agreement was in effect and had not been terminated. There are no financial covenants associated with this debt.

Construction and Funding Agreement .  In August 2011, Milam committed funding for the completion of the Nixon Facility’s refurbishment and start-up operations. Payments commenced in the first quarter of 2012.  Interest accrues at the rate of 6%.  Interest was accrued on the financing in the amount of $182,829 and $23,578 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  There are no financial covenants associated with this obligation.

See Note (17), “Subsequent Events” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition –  Clarification of Amounts Owed to Genesis and its Affiliates” in Item 2 of this report for additional disclosures related to amendments to the Joint Marketing Agreement that add to our obligation amount under the Construction and Funding Agreement.

Capital Leases .  LE was obligated under various capital lease agreements for equipment totaling $2,933 and $6,237 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The capital leases require monthly payments ranging from $164 to $2,559, including imputed interest at rates ranging from 8.50% to 13.39%, and maturing at various dates through February 2014.  The assets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets.  The assets are amortized over the lower of their related lease terms or their estimated productive lives.
 
 
22

 

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
The following is a summary of equipment held under capital leases:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Cost
  $ 9,396     $ 9,396  
Less:  Accumulated amortization
    4,071       3,602  
    $ 5,325     $ 5,794  

Amortization on assets under capital leases is included in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and was $235 and $1,456 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $470 and $2,911 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(13)   Income Taxes

As a result of the Acquisition, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue code imposes potential limitations on the use of our NOL carryovers.  The amount of NOL subject to such limitations is approximately $19.7 million.  The NOL generated subsequent to the Acquisition, approximately $9.9 million, is not subject to any such limitation.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we did not recognize any deferred tax asset related to such NOL’s due to the uncertainty of its use.

LE is an LLC and prior to the Acquisition its taxable income or loss flowed through to its individual member for federal and state income tax purposes.  Blue Dolphin is a “C” corporation and is a taxable entity for federal and state income tax purposes.  On Acquisition, LE became the legal subsidiary of Blue Dolphin and LE’s taxable income or loss flows through to Blue Dolphin for federal and state income tax purposes.  As a result of the Acquisition, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limitation on the use Blue Dolphin’s NOLs.  For the three months ended June 30, 2012, we did not recognize any deferred tax assets resulting from our NOLs due to the uncertainty to the realization of our NOLs.

The State of Texas has a business tax that is imposed on gross margin revenue to replace its prior franchise tax regime. Although the Texas margins tax (“TMT”) is imposed on an entity’s gross profit revenue rather than on its net income, certain aspects of the tax make it similar to an income tax.  At June 30, 2012, we accrued $13,144 in TMT.

 
23

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(14)   Commitments and Contingencies

Genesis Agreements

We are highly dependent on our relationship with Genesis and its affiliates.  Our relationship with Genesis is governed by three agreements:
 
  
Crude Supply Agreement -- Pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement, GEL is the exclusive supplier of crude oil to the Nixon Facility.  We are not permitted to buy crude oil from any other source without GEL’s express written consent.  GEL supplies crude oil to LE at cost plus freight expense and any costs associated with hedging.  All crude oil supplied to LE pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement is paid for pursuant to the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement as described below.  In addition, GEL has a first right of refusal to use three storage tanks at the Nixon Facility during the term of the Crude Supply Agreement.  Subject to certain termination rights, the Crude Supply Agreement has an initial term of three years, expiring on August 12, 2014.  After the expiration of its initial term, the Crude Supply Agreement automatically renews for successive one year terms unless either party notifies the other party of its election to terminate the Crude Supply Agreement within 90 days of the expiration of the then current term.
 
  
Construction and Funding Agreement -- Pursuant to the Construction and Funding Agreement, LE engaged Milam to provide construction services on a turnkey basis in connection with the construction, installation and refurbishment of certain equipment at the Nixon Facility (the “Project”).  Milam has continued to make advances in excess of their obligation, in their discretion, for certain construction and operating costs at the Nixon Facility. All amounts advanced to LE pursuant to the terms of the Construction and Funding Agreement bear interest at 6% per annum.  In March 2012 (the month after initial operation of the Nixon Facility occurred), LE began paying Milam, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Marketing Agreement, a minimum monthly payment of $150,000 as repayment of interest and amounts advanced to LE under the Construction and Funding Agreement .   If, however, the Gross Profits of LE (as defined below) in any given month (calculated as the revenue from the sale of products from the Nixon Facility minus the cost of crude oil) are insufficient to make this payment, then there is a deficiency amount, which shall accrue interest (the “Deficiency Amount”).  If there is a Deficiency Amount, then 100% of the gross profits in subsequent calendar months will be paid to Milam until the Deficiency Amount has been satisfied in full and all previous $150,000 monthly payments have been made.
 
The Construction and Funding Agreement places restrictions on LE, which prohibit LE from: incurring any debt (except debt that is subordinated to amounts owed to Milam or GEL); selling, discounting or factoring its accounts receivable or its negotiable instruments outside the ordinary course of business while no default exists; suffering any change of control or merging with or into another entity; and certain other conditions listed therein. As of the date hereof, Milam can terminate the Construction and Funding Agreement for a breach or upon termination of the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement. If Milam terminates the Construction and Funding Agreement, then: (i) Milam and LE are required to execute a forbearance agreement, the form of which has been previously agreed to, pursuant to which LE will pay Milam a fee of $150,000 per month in order to maintain the forbearance (such amount shall be credited against the amount owed) for a period of six months (during which time Milam will agree not to foreclose pursuant to the Construction and Funding Agreement and, thus, LE has the right to find financing to pay off such amounts), (ii) Milam shall be entitled to receive payment in full for all obligations owed under the Construction and Funding Agreement, (iii) all liens in favor of Milam will remain in full force and effect until released in accordance with the terms of the Construction and Funding Agreement and (iv) upon repayment of all obligations owed to Milam pursuant to the terms of the forbearance agreement executed by Milam and LE, LE shall have no further obligations to Milam or its affiliates under the Construction and Funding Agreement; and
 
 
24

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
  
Joint Marketing Agreement -- The Joint Marketing Agreement sets forth the terms of the agreement between LE and GEL pursuant to which the parties will market and sell the output produced at the Nixon Facility and share the Gross Profits (as defined below) from such sales.  Pursuant to the Joint Marketing Agreement, LE is responsible for entering into contracts with customers for the purchase and sale of output produced at the Nixon Facility and handling all billing and invoicing relating to the same.  However, all payments for the sale of output produced at the Nixon Facility will be made directly to GEL as collection agent and all customers must satisfy GEL’s customer credit approval process.  Subject to certain amendments and clarifications (as described below), the Joint Marketing Agreement also provides for the sharing of “Gross Profits” (defined as the total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility minus the cost of crude oil pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement) as follows:
 
(a)  
First, prior to the date on which Milam has recouped all amounts advanced to LE under the Construction and Funding Agreement (the “Investment Threshold Date”), $150,000 (the “Base Construction Payment”) shall be paid to GEL (for remittance to Milam) each calendar month to satisfy amounts owed under the Construction and Funding Agreement, with a catch-up in subsequent months if there is ever a deficiency (i.e., Gross Profits is less than $150,000 in a month) until any such deficiencies have been satisfied in full.
 
(b)  
Second, prior to and as of the Investment Threshold Date, LE shall generally receive weekly payments to cover direct expenses in operating the Nixon Facility (the “Operations Payments”) based on revenues from the sale of diesel blendstocks processed by the Nixon Facility in an amount not to exceed $750,000 per month plus the amount of any Accounting Fees. If Gross Profits are less than $900,000, then LE’s Operations Payments shall be reduced to equal to the difference between the Gross Profits for such monthly period and the proceeds discussed in (a) above; if Gross Profits are negative, then LE does not get an Operations Payment and the negative balance becomes a Deficiency Amount which is added to the total due and owing under the Construction Funding Agreement and such Deficiency Amount must be satisfied before any allocation of Gross Profit in the future may be made to LE.
 
(c)  
Third, prior to the Investment Threshold Date and subject to the payment of the Base Construction Payment and the Operations Payments to be paid to GEL and LE respectively, pursuant to (a) and (b) above, an amount shall be paid to GEL from Gross Profits equal to transportation costs, tank storage fees (if applicable), financial statement preparation fees (collectively, the “GEL Expense Items”), after which GEL shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits (any percentage of Gross Profits distributed to GEL, the “GEL Profit Share”) and LE shall be paid 20% of the remaining Gross Profits (any percentage of Gross Profits distributed to LE, the “LE Profit Share”); provided, however, that in the event that there is a forbearance payment of Gross Profits required by LE under the forbearance agreement with a bank, then 50% of the LE Profit Share shall be directly remitted by GEL to the bank until such forbearance amount is paid in full; and provided further that, if there is a shortfall in any month with respect to payments due under the Construction and Funding Agreement (the “Deficit Amount”) outstanding and a forbearance payment of Gross Profits that would otherwise be due and payable to the bank for such period, then GEL shall receive 80% of the Gross Profit and 10% shall be payable to the bank and LE shall not receive any of the LE Profit Share until such time as the Deficit Amount is reduced to zero.
 
(d)  
Fourth, after the Investment Threshold Date and after the payment to GEL of the GEL Expense Items, 30% of the remaining Gross Profit up to $600,000 (the “Threshold Amount”) shall be paid to GEL as the GEL Profit Share and LE shall be paid 70% of the remaining Gross Profit as the LE Profit Share.  Any amount of remaining Gross Profit that exceeds the Threshold Amount for such calendar month shall be paid to GEL and LE in the following manner: GEL shall be paid 20% of the remaining Gross Profits over the Threshold Amount as the GEL Profit Share, and LE shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits over the Threshold Amount as the LE Profit Share.
 
 
25

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(e)  
After the Threshold Date, if GEL sustains losses, it can recoup those losses by a special allocation of 80% of Gross Profits until such losses are covered in full, after which the prevailing Gross Profits allocation shall be reinstated.
 
The Joint Marketing Agreement contains negative covenants that restrict LE’s actions under certain circumstances.  For example, LE is prohibited from making any modification to the Nixon Facility or entering into any contracts with third-parties which would materially affect or impair GEL’s or its affiliates’ rights under the agreements set forth above.  The Joint Marketing Agreement has an initial term of three years expiring on August 12, 2014.  After the expiration of its initial term, the Joint Marketing Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one year terms unless either party notifies the other party of its election to terminate the Joint Marketing Agreement within 90 days of the expiration of the then current term.  The Joint Marketing Agreement also provides that it may be terminated prior to the end of its then current term under certain circumstances.
 
  
Amendments and Clarifications to the Joint Marketing Agreement -- The Joint Marketing Agreement has been amended and clarified to provide for Operating Expenses being paid by GEL to LE during the months of July and August 2012 as a result of amounts owed for crude oil costs and losses sustained by LE during the months in which total revenue from the sale of refined products was not sufficient.
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Relationship with Genesis” in Item 2 of this report for additional disclosures related to the Genesis Agreements.
 
See Note (17), “Subsequent Events” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Clarification of Amounts Owed to Genesis and its Affiliates” in Item 2 of this report for additional disclosures related to amendments to the Joint Marketing Agreement that add to our obligation amount under the Construction and Funding Agreement.
 
Ingleside Refinery Option

In June 2012, we entered into a Letter Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) to purchase a 180 day option to acquire an idled refinery located in Ingleside, Texas (”Ingleside”) from LEH, Blue Dolphin’s largest shareholder.  Ingleside is currently owned by Lazarus Texas Refinery I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of LEH (“LTRI”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Letter Agreement, we paid LEH a fully refundable sum of $100,000 cash as consideration for the option. If we choose to exercise the option, we will acquire all the outstanding interests of LTRI for cash or a note payable or a combination of the two.  Further, under the terms of any Purchase and Sale Agreement entered into by the parties: (a) we will assume all outstanding liabilities associated with Ingleside, (b) we will reimburse the costs of LTRI and LEH associated with the acquisition, refurbishment and environmental remediation of Ingleside, and (c) LEH will credit the full amount of the option consideration towards the purchase price.

If Blue Dolphin and LEH are unable to negotiate and execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement with mutually acceptable terms, including purchase price, within the timeframe of the option, LEH is obligated to return the option consideration to Blue Dolphin.  Further, if after the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the remediation cleanup of Ingleside, there is a difference between the amount spent by LEH to remediate environmental issues at Ingleside and what Blue Dolphin is willing to pay to acquire the interests of LTRI, then LEH will return the option consideration to Blue Dolphin.
 
 
26

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
Certain of the Ingleside assets are currently subject to a Lease Agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) with Superior Crude Gathering, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Superior”).  If Blue Dolphin chooses to exercise the option, then any cash consideration that must be paid to Superior in connection with the termination of the Lease Agreement would be the responsibility of Blue Dolphin.

Management Agreement

See Note (9), “Accounts Payable, Related Party Transactions” of this report for additional disclosures related to the Management Agreement.

Legal Matters

Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated February 15, 2012 (the “Settlement Agreement”), by and among Blue Dolphin, LEH and Lazarus Louisiana Refinery II, LLC (“LLRII”), the parties agreed to settle and compromise all disputes between them in connection with closing of the Acquisition.  LEH agreed to file a non-suit with prejudice of all pending claims against Blue Dolphin under Cause No. 210-32561, styled Blue Dolphin Energy Company v. Lazarus Energy Holdings, L.L.C. and Lazarus Louisiana Refinery II, L.L.C. , in the 129 th District Court of Harris County, Texas (the “Lawsuit”).  Blue Dolphin agreed that it will not execute or attempt to execute on an order that was signed on May 16, 2011 in the Lawsuit severing LEH’s counterclaims into Cause No. 2010-32561-A, which resulted in a Partial Summary Judgment becoming a final judgment in Blue Dolphin’s favor.

See Note (17), “Subsequent Events,” for additional disclosures related to the Lawsuit and Settlement Agreement.

From time to time we are subject to various lawsuits, claims, liens and administrative proceedings that arise out of the normal course of business.  During the second quarter of 2012, a vendor placed a mechanic’s lien on the Nixon Facility as protection during construction activities. As described further under Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” management is executing a liquidity plan to address outstanding payables due to third-parties, although there can be no assurance that the liquidity plan will be successful.  Management does not believe that the lien will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to extensive and periodically changing federal and state environmental regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste management activities.   Our policy is to accrue environmental and clean-up related costs of a non-capital nature when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Such estimates may be subject to revision in the future as regulations and other conditions change.

Periodically, we receive communications from various federal, state and local governmental authorities asserting violations of environmental laws and/or regulations. These governmental entities may also propose or assess fines or require corrective action for these asserted violations. We intend to respond in a timely manner to all such communications and to take appropriate corrective actions. We do not anticipate that any such matters currently asserted will have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
27

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
(15)   Earnings Per Share

We apply the provisions of the ASC guidance for computing earnings per share.  The guidance requires the presentation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”), which excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.  The guidance requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and requires a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic EPS and diluted EPS.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were converted to common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Given our net loss, diluted EPS excludes stock options outstanding as they would be anti-dilutive .

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the weighted average number of common shares is computed as LE’s number of common shares outstanding from the beginning of the period to the date of the Acquisition date combined with Blue Dolphin’s number of common shares outstanding from the date of the Acquisition to the end of the period.  For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, the weighted average number of common shares is computed as LE’s number of common shares outstanding, which was one member unit.

The following table provides reconciliation between basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (7,397,834 )   $ 160,525     $ (9,367,728 )   $ 378,917  
                                 
Basic and Diluted
                               
Weighted average number of shares of common
                         
stock outstanding and potential dilutive shares
                         
of common stock
    10,541,853       1       7,916,129       1  
                                 
Per share amount
  $ (0.70 )   $ 160,525     $ (1.18 )   $ 378,917  
 
(16)   Stock Options

Following the Acquisition, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the continuation of Blue Dolphin’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  LE did not have any stock option plan.  The Plan offers incentive awards to employees, including officers (whether or not they are directors), consultants and non-employee directors. The Plan was initially established by the Blue Dolphin Board on April 14, 2000 and approved by Blue Dolphin’s stockholders on May 18, 2000.  The Plan was amended effective March 19, 2003 and ratified by Blue Dolphin’s stockholders on May 21, 2003 to increase the common stock available for issuance under the Plan from 500,000 shares to 650,000 shares (Amendment No. 1).  The Plan was further amended effective April 5, 2007 and ratified by Blue Dolphin’s stockholders effective May 30, 2007 to increase the common stock available for issuance under the Plan from 650,000 shares to 1,200,000 shares (Amendment No. 2).  Effective July 16, 2010, Blue Dolphin’s stockholders approved a 1-for-7 reverse-stock-split of its common stock, which reduced the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan from 1,200,000 shares to 171,128 shares (Amendment No. 3). Effective January 27, 2012, Blue Dolphin’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Plan to change the expiration date of the Plan from 10 to 20 years (to April 14, 2020), as well as increase the aggregate number of common stock available for issuance under the Plan from 171,128 shares to 1,000,000 shares (Amendment No. 4).
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
The Plan provides that upon a change in control, the Compensation Committee may: i) accelerate the vesting of options, cancel options and make payments in respect thereof in cash in accordance with the terms of the Plan, (ii) adjust the outstanding options as appropriate to reflect such change in control or (iii) provide that each option shall thereafter be exercisable for the number and class of securities or property that the optionee would have been entitled to receive had the option been exercised.  The Plan provides that a change of control occurs if any person, entity or group acquires or gains ownership or control of more 50% of the outstanding Common Stock or, if after certain enumerated transactions, the persons who were directors before such transactions cease to constitute a majority of the Board.  Issuance of Common Stock to LEH in connection with the Acquisition resulted in a change in control under the Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board approved the continuation of the Plan and determined that each option outstanding under the Plan would remain exercisable for the number and class of securities or property that the optionee was entitled to receive prior to the Acquisition.  As of the date of the Acquisition, all options granted under the Plan had vested.

Options granted under the Plan have contractual terms from 6 to 10 years.  The exercise price of incentive stock options cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock determined on the grant date.  Although the Plan provides for the granting of other incentive awards, only incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options have been issued under the Plan to date.  The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board.

Pursuant to the ASC guidance on accounting for stock based compensation, we estimate the fair value of stock options granted on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model.  There were no stock options granted in the six months ended June 30, 2012.

At June 30, 2012, there were a total of 26,402 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the Plan.  A summary of the status of stock options granted to key employees, officers and directors, for the purchase of shares of common stock for the periods indicated, is as follows:

   
Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Aggregate Intrinisic Value
 
                         
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011
    28,887     $ 13.29              
                             
Options granted
    -     $ -              
                             
Options exercised
    -     $ -              
                             
Options expired or cancelled
    (2,485 )   $ -              
                             
Options outstanding at June 30, 2012
    26,402     $ 13.30       1.4     $ -  
                                 
Options exercisable at June 30, 2012
    26,402     $ 13.30       1.4     $ -  
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2012:
 
     
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices
   
Number Outstanding
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Number Exercisable
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
$ 2.45 to $5.60       10,118       0.8     $ 3.06       10,118     $ 3.06  
$ 13.30 to $19.67       16,284       1.8     $ 19.67       16,284     $ 19.67  
          26,402       1.4     $ 13.30       26,402     $ 13.30  

We recognized no compensation expense for vested stock options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2012, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the Plan.

We recognized $20,000 and $40,000 of expense related to the fair value issuance of restricted common stock to our independent directors as compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.

(17)   Subsequent Events

Amendments to Nixon Facility Operating Agreements

In July and August 2012, we entered into certain amendments to the Joint Marketing Agreement whereby GEL and Milam agreed that any Deficit Amounts will be added to the obligation amount under the Construction and Funding Agreement.  In May and June 2012, Deficit Amounts were added to our obligation amount under the Construction and Funding Agreement as a result of losses we incurred. In addition, the parties agreed that the priority of payments be amended to reflect that, to the extent that there are available funds in a particular month, AFNB shall be paid one-tenth of such funds provided, however, that we will not participate in available funds until any Deficit Amounts added to the Construction and Funding Agreement are paid in full.  AFNB received a payment in the amount of $139,420 in August 2012 in respect of its ratable share of available funds generated in July 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, total advances under the Construction and Funding Agreement were approximately $7.6 million.  Pursuant to amendments and clarifications to the Joint Marketing Agreement, Deficit Amounts of approximately $4.3 million are included in our accounts payable at June 30, 2012.  Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we paid approximately $1.8 million of the Deficit Amounts.
 
Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement Extension

LE entered into the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement in August 2011.  The Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement provided for an Extended Forbearance Period to August 2013 if we satisfied the Forbearance Extension Conditions within the Initial Forbearance Period.  As of the date of this report, management believes we have satisfied the Forbearance Extension Conditions within the Initial Forbearance Period.
 
Lawsuit and Settlement Agreement

Pursuant to an Order of Nonsuit and Dismissal with Prejudice, a presiding judge ordered, adjudged and decreed that counter-plaintiff LEH’s claims and causes of action in the Lawsuit were dismissed on July 6, 2012.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections related to our operations, the energy industry and other-related industries. Words such as “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict.  Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.  It is not possible to identify all of these risks, uncertainties or assumptions.  Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are:
 
  
volatility of refining margins;
  
significant dependent relationship with Genesis Energy, LLC (“Genesis”) and its affiliates;
  
key supplier failure;
  
potential downtime for maintenance and repairs;
  
failure to comply with forbearance agreements relating to long-term indebtedness under which we are in default;
  
declaration of a default by AFNB under our refinery loan forbearance agreement;
  
success of our liquidity plan;
  
commodity price risk on our refined products inventory;
  
Genesis’ hedging of our refined products;
  
failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquired operations;
  
retention and recruitment of key employees;
  
performance of third-party operators;
  
operating hazards;
  
environmental costs and liabilities associated with our operations;
  
our ability to offset revenue from one key customer;
  
our ability to generate sufficient funds from operations or obtain financing from other sources;
  
loss of market share with or by a key customer;
  
changing crude oil, condensate or natural gas prices;
  
changes in reserve estimates;
  
local and regional events that may negatively affect our assets;
  
upcoming environmental regulations that will require significant capital upgrades in order to produce a “finished” refined product;
  
competition from larger companies;
  
acquisition expenses and integration difficulties;
  
continued declines in throughput volumes and production rates from our Indonesian leasehold property;
  
insurance coverage limitations;
  
access to less than desired levels of crude oil for processing at the Nixon Facility;
  
compliance with environmental and other regulations; and
  
the effects of greenhouse gas emissions regulation.

Additionally, the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as disclosures made under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2 of this report could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this report could also cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  Unless legally required, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Executive Summary

We are engaged in three lines of business: (i) ownership of crude oil and condensate processing assets, (ii) pipeline transportation services to producer/shippers and (iii) oil and gas exploration and production.

Crude Oil and Condensate Processing Assets .  Crude oil and condensate processing operations are conducted through our crude oil processing facility, located in Nixon, Texas (the “Nixon Facility”).  The Nixon Facility, which has an operating capacity of approximately 15,000 barrels per day (“bpd”), consists of tankage, a distillation unit, naphtha stabilizer, depropanizer, recovery facilities and the necessary utility systems.  The typical refining process for most U.S. Gulf Coast refineries is complex and involves numerous stages to create final products.  By contrast, the Nixon Facility is only involved in the first stage of the refining process.  As a “topping unit,” the Nixon Facility separates crude oil and condensate into Non-Road, Locomotive, and Marine Diesel Fuels (“NRLM”) for sale into nearby markets, as well as naphtha and atmospheric gas oil for sale to nearby refineries for further processing.  Crude oil and condensate is currently purchased under an exclusive supply agreement with GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, an affiliate of Genesis Energy, LLC (“GEL and “Genesis,” respectively) and delivered by truck.  The Nixon Facility also has the potential ability to receive crude oil and condensate via pipeline. Refined products, constituting naphtha, NRLM and atmospheric gas oil, are currently sold and delivered by truck and barge. All of our crude oil and condensate processing assets are owned by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Lazarus Energy, LLC (“LE”).  On average during this period, the Facility operated at approximately 8,900 bpd, or 59% of operating capacity.

Pipeline Operations .   We gather and transport oil and natural gas for producers/shippers operating offshore in the vicinity of our pipelines in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and charge a fee based on anticipated throughput volumes.  For oil, onshore transportation, facilities services, such as storage, and sale are handled by a third-party. We handle the sale of gas through a chemical plant complex and intrastate pipeline system tie-in.   All of our pipeline assets are held by and the business conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blue Dolphin Pipeline Company.  Unless otherwise stated herein, all gas liquid volumes transported are attributable to production from third-party producers/shippers.

The following provides a summary of our pipeline assets:
 
Pipeline
Segment
 
Market
 
Undivided Ownership Interest
   
Miles of Pipeline
   
Capacity (MMcf/d)
 
                       
BDPS
 
Gulf of Mexico
    83⅓ %     38       180  
GA 350
 
Gulf of Mexico
    83⅓ %     13       65  
Omega
 
Gulf of Mexico
    83⅓ %     18       110  
 
  
Blue Dolphin Pipeline System (“BDPS”) – The BDPS spans approximately 38 miles and runs from Galveston Area Block 288 offshore to our onshore facilities and the Dow Chemical Plant Complex in Freeport, Texas. The BDPS has an aggregate capacity of approximately 180 MMcf of gas and 7,000 Bbls of crude oil and condensate per day.  The BDPS is currently transporting an aggregate of approximately 2.2 MMcf of gas per day, which represents approximately 1% of throughput capacity.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
  
The BDPS includes: (i) approximately 188 acres of land in Brazoria County, Texas where the Blue Dolphin Pipeline comes ashore and where the BDPS’ onshore facilities, pipeline easements and rights-of-way are located, (ii) an offshore platform and (iii) the Blue Dolphin Pipeline.  The BDPS gathers and transports oil and gas from various offshore fields in the Galveston Area of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to our onshore facilities located in Freeport, Texas.  The oil is processed, stored and sold by a third-party.  The gas is transported to the Dow Chemical Plant Complex and a major intrastate pipeline system with further downstream tie-ins to other intrastate and interstate pipeline systems and end users.
 
  
Galveston Area Block 350 Pipeline (the “GA 350”) – The GA 350 is an 8-inch, 13 mile offshore pipeline extending from Galveston Area Block 350 to an interconnect with a transmission pipeline in Galveston Area Block 391 located approximately 14 miles south of the Blue Dolphin Pipeline.  Current system capacity on the GA 350 is 65 MMcf of gas per day. The GA 350 is currently transporting an aggregate of approximately 14.0 MMcf of gas per day, which represents approximately 22% of throughput capacity.
 
  
Omega Pipeline (the “Omega”) – The Omega originates in the High Island Area, East Addition Block A-173 and extends to West Cameron Block 342, where it was previously connected to the High Island Offshore System. The Omega is currently inactive.  Reactivation of the Omega is dependent upon future drilling activity in the vicinity and successfully attracting producer/shippers to the system.
 
Exploration and Production .  Our oil and gas exploration and production activities include leasehold interests in properties located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the North Sumatra Basin offshore Indonesia.  Our leasehold interests, which are held by and the business conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blue Dolphin Petroleum Company, are subject to royalty and overriding royalty interests. We evaluate and manage oil and gas properties by considering geology, reserve life and hydrocarbon mix based on seismic and other data.
The following provides a summary of our oil and gas assets:

Field
 
Operator
 
Interest
         
Indonesia:
       
North Sumatra Basin-Langsa Field
 
Blue Sky Langsa, Ltd.
 
7% WI, 5.20625% NRI (+ reversion)
U.S. Gulf of Mexico:
       
High Island Block 115
 
Rooster Petroleum, LLC
 
2.5% WI, 2.008% NRI
Galveston Area Block 321
 
Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC
 
0.5% ORRI
High Island Block 37
 
Hilcorp Energy Company
 
2.88% WI, 2.246% NRI
 
  
North Sumatra Basin-Langsa Field – Located offshore Indonesia, the North Sumatra Basin-Langsa Field covers approximately 77 square kilometers and contains two oil fields – the “L” Field and the “H” Field.  Four wells have been completed in each field.  All four wells in the “L” Field were shut-in following unsuccessful attempts to raise capital for well remedial program.  In the “H” Field, two of the wells were plugged and abandoned, one was suspended due to formation pressure and one (the H-4 Well) is currently producing.  The wells are completed subsea in 325 feet of water and productive via flexible pipelines to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading barge.   The H-4 Well is currently producing approximately 359 barrels of oil per day.

Although our fully impaired U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil and gas properties may continue to operate over the next twelve to eighteen months, we expect the operating costs of the properties to exceed gross revenues based on current reserves and net cash flow estimates making these properties uneconomical.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Relationship with Genesis
 
We are highly dependent on our relationship with Genesis and its affiliates.  Our relationship with Genesis is governed primarily by three agreements:
 
  
the Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement by and between GEL and LE dated August 12, 2011 (the “Crude Supply Agreement”);
 
  
the Construction and Funding Contract by and between LE and Milam Services, Inc., an affiliate of Genesis (“Milam”), dated August 12, 2011 (the “Construction and Funding Agreement”); and
 
  
the Joint Marketing Agreement by and between GEL and LE dated August 12, 2011 (as subsequently amended, the “Joint Marketing Agreement”).
 
Below is a discussion of the material terms and conditions of each of our agreements with Genesis.
 
Supply Agreement
 
Crude Oil Supplies :  Pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement, GEL is the exclusive supplier of crude oil to the Nixon Facility; we are not permitted to buy crude oil from any other source without GEL’s express written consent.  GEL supplies crude oil to LE at cost plus freight expense and costs associated with hedging.  All crude oil supplied to LE pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement is paid for pursuant to the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement described below.  As security for all obligations owed to GEL and its affiliates under the Joint Marketing Agreement, LE has granted GEL a security interest in the refined products produced by the Nixon Facility until such time as LE has fulfilled its obligations under the Joint Marketing Agreement.  LE is not entitled to use the crude oil received from GEL for any purpose other than the operation of the Nixon Facility.  Title to the crude oil stored, transferred or handled pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement remains with GEL until the time it passes the flange connection between the storage tanks at the Nixon Facility to the delivery line, into the Nixon Facility, at which time we take title.
 
Tank Storage :  GEL has a first right of refusal to use three storage tanks at the Nixon Facility during the term of the Crude Supply Agreement. If GEL terminates the Construction and Funding Agreement, and such termination, directly or indirectly, results in the termination of the Crude Supply Agreement, then GEL shall have the option to lease the storage tanks at the Nixon Facility pursuant to the agreed upon terms.   The fees paid by GEL previously to LE under the tank storage agreement (the “Tank Storage Fees”), which were approximately $314,000, will be repaid to GEL by LE pursuant to the Joint Marketing Agreement as described below. The Crude Supply Agreement also grants to GEL the exclusive option to build additional tank storage facilities at the Nixon Facility.  If, at any time after the Nixon Facility becomes operational, LE receives an offer from a third-party to build additional tank storage facilities at the Nixon Facility, GEL has a right of first refusal whereby, within 30 days after receiving notice of the third-party offer from LE, GEL can give notice of its intent to exercise its option.  After giving such notice, GEL and LE will have a period of 180 days in which to negotiate an agreement covering the post-construction operation of such additional facilities and begin construction of the additional facilities.  If GEL has not begun construction by the end of the 180 day term, then GEL will be deemed to have waived its option and LE will be free to engage any third-party to construct the additional facilities.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Term and Termination :  The Crude Supply Agreement has an initial term of three years, expiring on August 12, 2014.  After the expiration of its initial term, the Crude Supply Agreement automatically renews for successive one year terms unless either party notifies the other party of its election to terminate the Crude Supply Agreement within 90 days of the expiration of the then current term.  The Crude Supply Agreement may be terminated before the expiration of its then current term if: (a) either party fails to carry out its duties under the Crude Supply Agreement for a period of 45 days after written notice of such failure has been given by the other party, then the non-defaulting party may immediately terminate the Crude Supply Agreement, (b) LE’s equipment and facilities for storage and/or handling of crude oil are restrained or enjoined by judicial process or terminated by any governmental authority, then GEL may terminate the Crude Supply Agreement upon 30 days written notice to LE, (c) the Joint Marketing Agreement is terminated, then the Crude Supply Agreement will terminate on that date unless otherwise agreed to by the parties and (d) LE is in breach of the Construction and Funding Agreement and GEL elects to terminate the Construction and Funding Agreement or GEL elects to terminate the Construction and Funding Agreement pursuant to the elective termination provisions thereof, then GEL may terminate the Crude Supply Agreement in its sole discretion.
 
Construction and Funding Agreement
 
Construction Services :  Pursuant to the Construction and Funding Agreement, LE engaged Milam to provide construction services on a turnkey basis in connection with the construction, installation and refurbishment of certain equipment at the Nixon Facility (the “Project”).  Milam is performing this work as an independent contractor of LE.  As compensation for its work on the Project, LE agreed to pay Milam a fee of $100,000.
 
Construction Funding :  The Construction and Funding Agreement also sets forth the terms upon which Milam is financing the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Project.  Milam has provided LE with $3.7 million for capital expenditures and $400,000 for startup operating expenses related to the Nixon Facility (collectively, the “Funding Amount Limit”). Milam has continued to make advances in excess of these amounts, in their discretion, for certain construction and operating costs at the Nixon Facility.  All amounts advanced to LE pursuant to the terms of the Construction and Funding Agreement bear interest at 6% per annum.
 
Repayment of Milam :  In March 2012 (the month after initial operation of the Nixon Facility occurred), LE began paying Milam, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Marketing Agreement, a minimum monthly payment of $150,000 as repayment of interest and amounts advanced to LE under the Construction and Funding Agreement .   If, however, the Gross Profits of LE (as defined below) in any given month (calculated as the revenue from the sale of products from the Nixon Facility minus the cost of crude oil) are insufficient to make this payment, then there is a deficiency amount, which shall accrue interest (the “Deficiency Amount”).  If there is a Deficiency Amount, then 100% of the gross profits in subsequent calendar months will be paid to Milam until the Deficiency Amount has been satisfied in full and all previous $150,000 monthly payments have been made.    LE is also required to repay any amounts owed to Milam upon the sale of the Nixon Facility or the recovery of property or casualty insurance proceeds relating to the Nixon Facility.  As security for amounts owed to Milam under the Construction and Funding Agreement, LE granted to Milam a security interest in all of LE’s assets.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Restrictions on LE :  The Construction and Funding Agreement places restrictions on LE, which prohibit LE from:
 
  
incurring any debt (except debt that is subordinated to amounts owed to Milam or GEL);
  
selling, discounting or factoring its accounts receivable or its negotiable instruments outside the ordinary course of business while no default exists;
  
suffering any change of control or merging with or into another entity;
  
acquiring or agreeing to acquire any material portion of the assets or equity interests of another entity;
  
transferring, or granting another party an option to acquire, any of its assets with a fair market value, individually or in the aggregate, of more than $100,000 in any six-month period except for the sale of worn, surplus or obsolete equipment;
  
entering into any joint venture or other partnership arrangement relating to the Nixon Facility or its assets with any party without the consent of Milam;
  
entering into any contracts with any third-parties which would materially affect or impair Milam’s or its affiliates’ rights under the Construction and Funding Agreement, the Joint Marketing Agreement or the Crude Supply Agreement without the consent of Milam or its affiliates, as applicable; or
  
moving its executive offices, changing its company name, changing its corporate form to another type of entity, or moving to another jurisdiction of organization other than Delaware.

Suspension of Advances; Additional Advances:   During the construction period, Milam has the right to suspend advances under the Construction and Funding Agreement under certain circumstances. However, Milam continues to make advances, on a case-by-case basis, to make certain upgrades and other capital expenditures in respect of the Nixon Facility.  These advances are discretionary and can be declined and/or terminated at any time by Milam.  Such advances are added to the total outstanding balance under the Construction and Funding Agreement.
 
Termination :  Milam has the right to terminate the Construction and Funding Agreement, in its sole discretion, by written notice to LE at any time if:  (a) Milam determines that the amount of funds necessary to complete the Project and provide the services described under the Construction and Funding Agreement are in excess of the Funding Amount Limit or (b) upon termination of the Forbearance Agreement with First International Bank (which, together with its successors in interest, are referred to as “FIB”)(the “Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement”).  With respect to clause (a), although Milam has advanced more than the Funding Amount Limit, Milam has not terminated the Construction and Funding Agreement.  If Milam terminates the Construction and Funding Agreement, then: (i) Milam and LE are contractually obligated to execute a forbearance agreement, the form of which has been previously agreed to, pursuant to which LE will pay Milam a fee of $150,000 per month in order to maintain the forbearance (such amount shall be credited against the amount owed) for a period of six months (during which time, Milam will agree not to foreclose pursuant to the Construction and Funding Agreement and, thus, LE has the right to find financing to pay off such amounts), (ii) Milam shall be entitled to receive payment in full for all obligations owed under the Construction and Funding Agreement, (iii) all liens in favor of Milam will remain in full force and effect until released in accordance with the terms of the Construction and Funding Agreement and (iv) upon repayment of all obligations owed to Milam pursuant to the terms of the forbearance agreement executed by Milam and LE, LE shall have no further obligations to Milam or its affiliates under the Construction and Funding Agreement.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Joint Marketing Agreement
 
The Joint Marketing Agreement sets forth the terms of the agreement between LE and GEL pursuant to which the parties will market and sell the output produced at the Nixon Facility and share the Gross Profits (as defined below) from such sales.
 
Marketing :  Pursuant to the Joint Marketing Agreement, LE is responsible for entering into contracts with customers for the purchase and sale of output produced at the Nixon Facility and handling all billing and invoicing relating to the same.  However, all payments for the sale of output produced at the Nixon Facility are made directly to GEL and all customers must satisfy GEL’s customer credit approval process.
 
LE Information Production Requirements :  LE is required to supply GEL with certain information including operating information relating to the Nixon Facility within 24 hours of the end of each business day.  LE is also required to supply GEL with LE’s financial statements.  LE is entitled to be reimbursed for any costs and expenses up to $50,000 from Gross Profits (as defined below) relating to the preparation of its financial statements (the “Accounting Fees”), provided that LE can produce adequate documentation relating to such Accounting Fees.

Collections and Bank Accounts :  GEL serves as collection agent for LE under the Joint Marketing Agreement.  Pursuant to this arrangement, GEL set up a bank account (the “Nixon Product Sales Account”) into which all proceeds received from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility are placed.  GEL also opened up a sub-account into which the first $150,000 received under the Joint Marketing Agreement was placed with such amount held in escrow during the term of the Joint Marketing Agreement.  This amount will be kept in the sub-account unless LE is unable to make a required monthly payment under the Construction and Funding Agreement in which case such amount owed will be paid to GEL.
 
Sharing of Gross Profits :  The Joint Marketing Agreement defines “Gross Profit” to mean, for a calendar month, the total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility minus the cost of crude oil (as established pursuant to the formula described above in the discussion of the Crude Supply Agreement).  Exhibit B to the Joint Marketing Agreement sets forth how the parties have agreed to distribute the Gross Profit.  However, the method for the distribution of Gross Profits set forth in Exhibit B to the Joint Marketing Agreement has been temporarily superseded by the method in the Third Letter Agreement (as defined and more fully described below in “— Clarifications of and Modifications to the Rights of the Parties under the Joint Marketing Agreement – Third Letter Agreement”).  When the method for distributing Gross Profits set forth in the Third Letter Agreement ceases to be effective, the method for distributing Gross Profits will revert to the method set forth in Exhibit B to the Joint Marketing Agreement, which is as follows:
 
(a)  
First, prior to the date on which Milam has recouped all amounts advanced to LE under the Construction and Funding Agreement (the “Investment Threshold Date”), $150,000 (the “Base Construction Payment”) shall be paid to GEL (for remittance to Milam) each calendar month to satisfy amounts owed under the Construction and Funding Agreement; if, however, Gross Profits in any calendar month are insufficient to satisfy the Base Construction Payment, then 100% of the Gross Profit in subsequent calendar months shall be paid to GEL (for remittance to Milam) until any such deficiencies have been satisfied in full (in either instance, such payment is referred to as a “Construction Payment”).
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
(b)  
Second, prior to and as of the Investment Threshold Date and subject to increases in the percentage to be paid to GEL to satisfy the Base Construction Payment insufficiencies set forth in (a) above, LE shall receive weekly payments (the “Operations Payments”) based on revenues from the sale of diesel blendstocks processed by the Nixon Facility in an amount not to exceed $750,000 per month plus the amount of any Accounting Fees.  LE is required to apply such amounts to the payment of monthly operating expenses for the Nixon Facility.  If any monthly reconciliation conducted by GEL shows that the Gross Profits for a monthly period are less than $900,000, then LE’s Operations Payments shall be reduced to equal to the difference between the Gross Profits for such monthly period and the proceeds discussed in (a) above.
 
(c)  
Third, prior to the Investment Threshold Date and subject to the payment of the Base Construction Payment and the Operations Payments to be paid to GEL and LE respectively, pursuant to (a) and (b) above, an amount shall be paid to GEL from Gross Profits equal to: (i) expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of output produced at the Nixon Facility for the applicable calendar month, (ii) the Tank Storage Fee and (iii) any fee paid by LE to GEL for GEL’s preparation of the financial statements required to be delivered by LE pursuant to the Joint Marketing Agreement (the “Financial Statement Preparation Fee”), after which GEL shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits (any percentage of Gross Profits distributed to GEL, the “GEL Profit Share”) and LE shall be paid 20% of the remaining Gross Profits (any percentage of Gross Profits distributed to LE, the “LE Profit Share”).
 
(d)  
Fourth, as of the Investment Threshold Date and subject to the payment of, first, an amount equal to $150,000 paid to GEL as an administrative fee relating to the performance of its obligations under the Joint Marketing Agreement (the “Performance Fee”) and, second, the Operations Payments to be paid to LE pursuant to (b) above (in that order), for each applicable calendar month an amount shall be paid to GEL from the Gross Profits equal to: (i) the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of output produced at the Nixon Facility for the applicable calendar month, (ii) the Tank Storage Fee and (ii) the Financial Statement Preparation Fee.  After the payment to LE and GEL of the amounts set forth in the preceding sentence, 30% of the remaining Gross Profit up to $600,000 (the “Threshold Amount”) shall be paid to GEL as the GEL Profit Share and LE shall be paid 70% of the remaining Gross Profit as the LE Profit Share.  Any amount of remaining Gross Profit that exceeds the Threshold Amount for such calendar month shall be paid to GEL and LE in the following manner: GEL shall be paid 20% of the remaining Gross Profits over the Threshold Amount as the GEL Profit Share, and LE shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits over the Threshold Amount as the LE Profit Share.
 
(e)  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Joint Marketing Agreement, if, after the Investment Threshold Date, GEL sustains any losses   and does not receive any portion of the Performance Fee, the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of the output from the Nixon Facility, the Tank Storage Fee or the Financial Statement Preparation Fee owed to it under (d) above due to a failure of the Nixon Facility to generate sufficient Gross Profits during a calendar month (a “Deficit Month”), for each subsequent month after such Deficit Month, GEL and LE shall be paid, respectively, (after payment of the Performance Fee and the Operations Payments to GEL and LE, respectively, for each subsequent month) 80% of the remaining Gross Profits as the GEL Profit Share and 20% of such remaining Gross Profit shall be the LE Profit Share, until such time as GEL is repaid in the following order: (i) for such losses incurred during such Deficit Month, (ii) the portion of the Performance Fee not paid during such Deficit Month, (iii) the portion of the amount equal to the Tank Storage Fee not paid during such Deficit Month and (iv) the portion of the Financial Statement Preparation Fee that would have otherwise been paid to GEL during such Deficit Month.  The parties shall be paid pursuant to (d) above beginning in the month after which all losses incurred by GEL during any Deficit Month and all amounts otherwise owed to GEL that were not paid during any Deficit Month are paid to GEL in full.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notwithstanding the distributions of Gross Profit set forth above, if the LE Profit Share due and owing to LE is more than the amount remaining in the Nixon Product Sales Account after the payment of the Construction Payment and the “Allowable Payments” (such term meaning all payments to GEL other than Construction Payments), LE shall only be entitled to receive such amount in the Nixon Product Sales Account as its profit share for the applicable calendar month. Additionally, after the Investment Threshold Date, prior to any other distribution set forth above, and as an advance against the sums to be paid to LE pursuant to (b) above, GEL shall distribute 10% of all diesel revenue to LE weekly during the term of the Joint Marketing Agreement to the extent that such distributions do not exceed $750,000 in any calendar month.
 
Withholding Payments to LE :  The Joint Marketing Agreement also provides several scenarios in which GEL may withhold payments to which LE is otherwise entitled.  For instance, GEL may, subject to the request of FIB and without notice to LE, directly pay to FIB from the LE Profit Share any amounts then due and owing by LE to FIB. Additionally, the Acknowledgement Letter and the Third Letter Agreement (as described below) both provide GEL mechanisms to withhold payments LE is otherwise entitled to.  GEL has exercised its rights under the Acknowledgement Letter and the Third Letter Agreement and, pursuant to the terms thereof, is withholding payments that would otherwise have been paid to LE under the Joint Marketing Agreement.  GEL shall continue to exercise its right until all Deficiency Amounts have been satisfied in their entirety.
 
Restrictions on LE :  The Joint Marketing Agreement contains negative covenants that restrict LE’s actions.  LE is prohibited from making any modification to the Nixon Facility or entering into any contracts with third-parties which would materially affect or impair GEL’s or its affiliates’ rights under the Joint Marketing Agreement, the Construction and Funding Agreement or the Crude Supply Agreement without first obtaining GEL’s prior written consent.
 
Term and Termination :  The Joint Marketing Agreement has an initial term of three years expiring on August 12, 2014.  After the expiration of its initial term, the Joint Marketing Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one year terms unless either party within 90 days of the expiration of the then current term notifies the other party of its election to terminate the Joint Marketing Agreement.  The Joint Marketing Agreement also provides that it may be terminated prior to the end of its then current term if (a) both parties agree to the termination in writing, (b) one party has materially breached the Joint Marketing Agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days of receiving notice thereof, (c) GEL, in its sole discretion, chooses to terminate based on a breach of the Crude Supply Agreement or the Construction and Funding Agreement by LE after GEL or Milam (as applicable) elects to terminate either of those agreements or (d) GEL or Milam terminates the Construction and Funding Agreement pursuant to the elective termination provisions thereof.
 
Clarifications of and Modifications to the Rights of the Parties under the Joint Marketing Agreement
 
We have entered into several letter agreements amending the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement, the terms of which are discussed below.  We entered into these amendments as a result of certain deficits incurred in operating the Nixon Facility during May and June 2012.  The effect of these amendments has been to reduce our liquidity until such deficits have been repaid.  However, LE’s repayment of such deficits under the amendments will be at reasonable commercial terms and are expected to be on a timelier basis.  (See the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below for further discussion.)
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Acknowledgement Letter :  On June 1, 2012, LE entered into an Acknowledgment Letter with GEL (the “Acknowledgement Letter”).  The Acknowledgement Letter clarified certain terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement.  Pursuant to the Acknowledgment Letter, LE agreed that GEL will not pay to LE the LE Profit Share until the month subsequent to when the profits from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility have been sufficient to repay GEL, or any future Deficit Amounts that have not been paid are paid in full.
 
First Letter Agreement :  On June 25, 2012, LE entered into a Letter Agreement with GEL (the “First Letter Agreement”).  The First Letter Agreement further clarifies the payment of expenses and the reservation of certain rights of the parties under the Joint Marketing Agreement.  Pursuant to the First Letter Agreement, GEL and Milam have been providing weekly payments to LE each in the amount of $187,500 (which includes $170,250 paid directly to LE and $17,250 paid directly to American First National Bank (“AFNB”), successor to FIB).  According to the First Letter Agreement, these payments began on June 25, 2012 and were due to terminate on July 30, 2012 (later amended pursuant to the Second Letter Agreement).  The funds received by LE pursuant to the First Letter Agreement are for the sole and exclusive purpose of paying operating expenses of the Nixon Facility.  The First Letter Agreement further states that neither GEL or Milam is required to provide any additional payments relating to the operating expenses of the Nixon Facility beyond GEL’s express obligations under the Joint Marketing Agreement.
 
Second Letter Agreement :  On July 30, 2012, LE entered into an amendment to the First Letter Agreement with GEL (the “Second Letter Agreement”).  The Second Letter Agreement extended the period of time during which GEL and/or Milam will provide weekly payments to LE to cover operating expenses at the Nixon Facility from July 30, 2012 to August 31, 2012.  Additionally, the Second Letter Agreement clarified that such payments may be made by either GEL or Milam as determined by GEL or Milam.
 
Third Letter Agreement :  On August 1, 2012, LE entered into another Letter Agreement with GEL (the “Third Letter Agreement”).  In the Third Letter Agreement LE acknowledged that LE owed GEL the principal sum of approximately $4.3 million (the “Deficit Amount”) as of June 30, 2012. Of the Deficit Amount, approximately $2.3 million was for crude oil costs delivered pursuant to the Crude Supply Agreement during May and June 2012 (the “Deficit Crude Amount”).  Under the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement and the Crude Supply Agreement, the Deficit Crude Amount must be paid from revenue received from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility in subsequent months.  The remaining portion of the Deficit Amount resulted from amounts LE owed to GEL or Milam due to losses sustained by LE during months in which total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility were not sufficient (the “Other Deficit Amounts”). The Third Letter Agreement further amended the distribution of “Available Proceeds” (with such term being defined in the Third Letter Agreement to mean the sum of total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility for a calendar month less the costs of crude oil for such calendar month less the costs of crude oil unpaid for any prior months (other than the Deficit Crude Amount)) by requiring Available Proceeds be distributed:
 
(a)  
in an amount equal to the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share (as defined below)   shall be paid directly to AFNB to be applied by AFNB in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement governing the debt owed by LE to AFNB; and
 
(b)  
the remaining Available Proceeds, to the extent sufficient, shall be distributed in the following order of priority: (1) to GEL in an amount equal to the then outstanding balance of the Deficit Crude Amount, (2) to GEL in an amount equal to the Construction Payment, (3) to LE in an amount equal to the Operations Payment, (4) to GEL in an amount equal to the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of output from the Nixon Facility, (5) to GEL in amount equal to the Financial Statement Preparation Fees, (6) to GEL in an amount equal to the Tank Storage Fees paid by GEL to LE in the amount of approximately $3,000, (7) to GEL in an amount equal to the Other Deficit Amounts, (8) to GEL as the GEL Profit Share, an amount equal to 80% of the sum of the remaining balance plus the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share for the applicable month, and (9) any remaining amounts to LE as the LE Profit Share; provided, however, that if in any month the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share is greater than the LE Profit Share, the amount of such excess shall be paid to GEL the following months out of the LE Profit Share.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
The “Advanced Lazarus Share” is determined by taking the amount of Available Proceeds minus the sum of the Construction Payment for the applicable month, the Operations Payment for the applicable month, transportation expenses for the applicable month, the Financial Statement Preparation Fee for the applicable month and Tank Storage Fees for the applicable month, excluding any arrearages in such items attributable to prior months.
 
The Third Letter Agreement replaces the process for distributing Gross Profit as set forth in the Joint Marketing Agreement with the process for distributing Available Proceeds set forth above if the two are in conflict until the earlier of (i) the termination of the Forbearance Period and the Extended Forbearance Period (as such terms are defined in the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement), (ii) a notice of termination is delivered by GEL to LE stating that GEL elects to terminate the distribution provisions found in the Third Letter Agreement, which LE acknowledges that GEL may do in its sole discretion, or (iii) GEL has been paid in full all Deficit Amounts and has received an amount equal to 80% of all amounts paid to AFNB pursuant the provision of the Third Letter Agreement requiring payment to AFNB of an amount equal to the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share.  Whenever the distribution provisions of the Third Letter Agreement cease to be effective, all provisions of the Joint Marketing Agreement shall apply to any future distributions of Gross Profits, and the Deficit Crude Amount remaining unpaid, if any, shall be paid from the total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility in subsequent months.
 
The Third Letter Agreement further provides that any costs of crude oil delivered after June 2012 which are not paid for in full from total revenue from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility in the applicable calendar month shall be paid from total revenue received from the sale of output from the Nixon Facility in subsequent months prior to the determination of Gross Profits or Available Proceeds, until such amounts are paid in full.  Further, the Deficit Amount, until paid in full, shall constitute and be part of the Obligations (as such term is defined in the Construction and Funding Agreement).
 
Clarification of Amounts Owed to Genesis and its Affiliates
 
As of June 30, 2012, total advances under the Construction and Funding Agreement were approximately $7.6 million.  Pursuant to amendments and clarifications to the Joint Marketing Agreement, Deficit Amounts of approximately $4.3 million are included in our accounts payable at June 30, 2012.  Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we paid approximately $1.8 million of the Deficit Amounts.
 
Results of Operations

Blue Dolphin acquired LE effective February 15, 2012.  Under reverse acquisition accounting LE (the legal subsidiary) has been treated as the accounting parent (acquirer) and Blue Dolphin (the legal parent) has been treated as the accounting subsidiary (acquiree).  Accordingly, the financial statements subsequent to the date of the transaction are presented as the continuation of LE.  LE’s operations, the primary asset of which is the Nixon Facility, had no operations during the three months ended June 30, 2011 (the “prior quarter”) and the six months ended June 30, 2011 (the “prior period”). 
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2012 (the “current quarter”), we reported a net loss of $7,397,834 on total revenue of $84,790,853.  The net loss was primarily attributable to:  (i) negative gross margins generated from (a) initial costs related to acquisition of specifically desired feedstocks and (b) lower refined product prices due to significant discounts offered to new customers, particularly for certain initial refined product runs that did not conform to normal specifications and (ii) the write-down of initial refined product inventory during the current quarter and (iii) the overhand related to processing of unhedged, higher-cost feedstock.

During the current quarter, we took steps to improve the quality, consistency and availability of the specifically desired feedstocks processed by our Nixon Facility, as well as to improve the quality, consistency and market acceptance of our refined products. We also instituted an inventory risk management program with Genesis, the purpose of which is to reduce the risk of having a mismatch of crude oil and refined products inventory at higher prices when crude oil and refined product prices are decreasing.  Under the inventory risk management program, Genesis may, but is not required to, initiate a hedge on our refined products when our inventory levels exceed targeted levels (currently 1.5 days of production).  Although the decision to execute a hedge is made solely by Genesis, Genesis typically confers with management as part of their decision making process.

Substantially all of our revenue came from the Nixon Facility, which generated revenue of $84,416,296 in the current quarter.  The Nixon Facility operated for a total of 88 days during the current quarter.  On average during the current quarter, the Nixon Facility operated at a rate of approximately 8,900 bpd, or 59% of operating capacity. Management anticipates that the Nixon Facility may approach its operating capacity throughput of 15,000 bpd on a consistent basis during the second half of 2012.

We recorded Nixon Facility operating expenses of $2,239,914 in the current quarter, all of which was for services provided by LEH to manage and operate the Nixon Facility.

Depletion, depreciation, and amortization increased from $4,306 in the prior quarter to $520,390 in the current quarter primarily as a result of the Nixon Facility having operations in the current quarter compared to no operations in the prior quarter.

General and administrative expenses increased from $177,112 in the prior quarter to $734,720 in the current quarter.  The expenses in the current quarter were primarily related to leased corporate personnel costs, stock maintenance fees, consulting, legal, audit and office expenses.

We recognized $81,364 in net tank rental revenue in the current quarter compared to $353,709 in the prior quarter.  This decline was driven by expiring contracts and the use of our tanks for our own operations.  In the future, we do not expect net tank rental revenue at the Nixon Facility to be a significant source of income for our business.

See Note (4), “Business Segment Information” in Item 1 of this report for additional information regarding the results of operations of our business segments in the current quarter compared to the prior quarter.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2012 (the “current period”) we reported a net loss of 9,367,728 on total revenue of $130,832,066. The net loss was primarily attributable to: (i) negative gross margins generated from (a) initial costs related to acquisition of specifically desired feedstocks and (b) lower refined product prices due to significant discounts offered to new customers, particularly for certain initial refined product runs that did not conform to normal specifications and (ii) the write-down of initial refined product inventory during the current quarter and (iii) the overhand related to processing of unhedged, higher-cost feedstock.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
During the current quarter, we took steps to improve the quality, consistency and availability of the specifically desired feedstocks processed by our Nixon Facility, as well as to improve the quality, consistency and market acceptance of our refined products. We also instituted an inventory risk management program with Genesis, the purpose of which is to reduce the risk of having a mismatch of crude oil inventory at higher prices when crude oil and refined product prices are decreasing. Under the inventory risk management program, Genesis may, but is not required to, initiate a hedge on our refined products when our inventory levels exceed targeted levels (currently 1.5 days production). Although the decision to execute a hedge is made solely by Genesis, Genesis typically confers with management as part of its decision making process.

Substantially all of our revenue came from the Nixon Facility, which generated revenue of $130,187,259 in the current period.  The Nixon Facility, which began operations on a reduced basis in February 2012, operated for a total of 148 days during the current period.  On average during the current period, the Nixon Facility operated at a rate of approximately 8,000 bpd, or 53% of operating capacity.  Management anticipates that the Nixon Facility may approach its operating capacity throughput of 15,000 bpd on a consistent basis during the second half of 2012.

We recorded Nixon Facility operating expenses of $3,302,665 in the current period, all of which was for services provided by LEH to manage and operate the Nixon Facility. 

Depletion, depreciation, and amortization increased from $8,614 in prior period to $798,352 in the current period primarily as a result of the Nixon Facility having operations in the current period compared to no operations in the prior period.

General and administrative expenses increased from $290,940 in the prior period to $1,260,307 in the current period.  The expenses in the current period were primarily related to leased corporate personnel costs, stock maintenance fees, consulting, legal, audit and office expenses.

We recognized $175,319 in net tank rental revenue in the current period compared to $696,454 in the prior period.  This decline was driven by expiring contracts and the use of our tanks for our own operations.  In the future, we do not expect net tank rental revenue at the Nixon Facility to be a significant source of income for our business.

See Note (4), “Business Segment Information” in Item 1 of this report for additional information regarding the results of operations of our business segments in the current period compared to the prior period.

 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash . At June 30, 2012, our current available cash was $478,288.

   
For Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Adjusted income (loss) from operations
  $ (8,241,034 )   $ 404,431  
Change in current assets and liabilities
    5,223,772       127,338  
                 
Total cash flow from operations
    (3,017,262 )     531,769  
                 
Cash inflows (outflows)
               
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    4,759,393       -  
Payments on long term debt
    (847,197 )     (21,066 )
Cash acquired on Acquisition
    1,674,594       -  
Capital expenditures
    (2,074,137 )     (505,670 )
Payments on note payble
    (18,925 )     (5,034 )
                 
Total cash inflows (outflows)
    3,493,728       (531,770 )
                 
Total change in cash flows
  $ 476,466     $ (1 )
 
Management assesses our liquidity by our ability to generate cash to fund our operations.  Significant factors in the management of liquidity are: funds generated by operations; levels of accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable and capital expenditures; adequate access to credit; and financial flexibility to attract long-term capital on satisfactory terms. Our sources of cash are cash on hand, tank rental income and advances for funding under the Construction and Funding Agreement.  Although we anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs for the remainder of 2012 largely through cash generated from operations at the Nixon Facility, during the second quarter, we experienced negative cash flow from operations of approximately $3.0 million.  In addition, our current liabilities increased by approximately $7.6 million relative to current assets during the second quarter, resulting, primarily from our net loss of approximately $7.4 million for the current quarter.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

Several factors contributed to our liquidity constraint during the current quarter, including: (i) lower and, in some cases, negative refined product sales margins as a result of crude oil and refined product commodity price decreases and higher crude prices from crude purchased earlier in the period, (ii) non-payment by Genesis of May and June operating expenses of approximately $1.0 million as a result of negative gross margins at the Nixon Facility, (iii) non-payment of accounts payable related to capital items previously funded by Genesis of approximately $500,000 and (iv) non-payment of crude oil lifting revenue by our Indonesian oil production operator of approximately $340,000.  As a result of these factors, as well as a significant increase in the Deficiency Amount due to GEL, we have constrained liquidity and fell behind in the payment of certain third-party vendors, one of which placed a mechanics lien on the Nixon Facility due to late payments.
 
As a result of these liquidity constraints, which were largely due to a volatile and declining price environment in the late first quarter and the second quarter, we took a number of steps in the second quarter to improve liquidity as follows:
 
(a)  
Improving and Generating More Consistent Margins Through Better Inventory Risk Management.   Together with Genesis, we implemented an inventory risk management policy that seeks to stabilize our commodity price exposure for our refined products inventory and generate a more consistent gross margin for each barrel of refined product.  Although this strategy will limit potential gains in certain quarters, it may also limit potential losses.  Under this plan, we will strive to maintain no more than 1.5 days of refined products inventory.  Although the decision to execute a hedge is made solely by Genesis, Genesis typically confers with management as part of their decision making process.  We expect that this policy will reduce the risk of a future mismatch between higher crude oil costs and lower refined product prices that could negatively impact our average gross margin per barrel;
 
(b)  
Increasing the Amount of Throughput Generated by Nixon facility.   Currently, we are generating a positive gross margin on each refined unit of crude oil and have a relatively constant fixed cost base to cover.  Accordingly, each additional unit of crude oil refined makes a more significant contribution to our cash flow.  A significant part of our business strategy is to operate the Nixon Facility at capacity in the coming months and generate sufficient cash flow to enable us to terminate the Third Letter Agreement with GEL, which will result in the restoration to us of the gross profit sharing provisions of the Joint Marketing Agreement.  Under the Joint Marketing Agreement, we have the opportunity to receive a significantly greater share of gross profits from the Nixon Facility than we are currently receiving under the Third Letter Agreement.  (See “— Joint Marketing Agreement – Sharing of Gross Profits,” and “— Clarifications and Modifications to the Rights of the Parties Under the Joint Marketing Agreement — Third Letter Agreement.”)
 
(c)  
Focusing on a Capital Expenditure Program to Immediately Increase Throughput and Improve Margins.   We are approximately half way through a $1 million to $1.5 million capital expenditure program, previously financed primarily through discretionary advances made by Milam under the Construction and Funding Agreement, to refurbish a naptha stabilizer and depropanizer unit at the Nixon Facility.  Refurbishment of the stabilizer will improve the quality of naptha that we produce, thereby enhancing the pricing amount we expect to receive for certain of our refined products.  In addition, refurbishment of the stabilizer will increase the amount of throughput that can be processed by the Nixon Facility.  Milam has not, however, made any further advances to complete refurbishment of the naptha stabilizer, nor is Milam obligated to.  Our ability to complete this project is dependent upon further advances being made by Milam under the Construction and Funding Agreement and/or generating sufficient cash from operations to eliminate the Deficiency Amount, thereby increasing our allocation portion of the Gross Profit in amounts sufficient to cover such refurbishment costs.  There is no assurance that either will be done.
 
Management believes that the first two steps, (a) and (b) above, will, over the next several months, result in improved cash flow.  Under the Joint Marketing Agreement, we have the opportunity to receive a significantly greater share of gross profits from the Nixon Facility than we are currently receiving under the Third Letter Agreement.  (See “— Joint Marketing Agreement – Sharing of Gross Profits,” and “— Clarifications and Modifications to the Rights of the Parties Under the Joint Marketing Agreement — Third Letter Agreement.”)   We are working with our vendors to ensure that they understand our focus on liquidity and desire to bring our outstanding accounts payable current as expeditiously as possible.  In addition, we believe that once the Nixon Facility generates more consistent refining Gross Profits, Milam will be more inclined to make further advances under the Construction and Funding Agreement to complete refurbishment of the naptha stabilizer, which would increase throughput volumes and improve margins.  However, there can be no assurances that our liquidity plan as set forth above will be successful.  In the event that our plan is not successful, we will experience a significant and material negative adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.
 
 
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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
In addition to our results of operations, we received financing proceeds of $4,743,393from advancements under the Construction and Funding Agreement during the current quarter.  Our capital expenditures in the current quarter were $2,074,137, all   of which related to refurbishment of the Nixon Facility, including certain aspects of the naptha stabilizer. Specifically, these capital expenditures included repair costs, construction and commissioning of pumps, motors, lines, tanks, vessels and processing units. We expect to fund additional capital expenditures at the Nixon Facility primarily through the Construction and Funding Agreement or cash from operations once the Deficiency Amount is satisfied in full.  The principal balance owed to Milam under the Construction and Funding Agreement was $7,572,040 and $3,319,193 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, excluding Deficiency Amounts.

The principal balance outstanding on a loan payable to AFNB under a promissory note in the amount of $10,000,000 (the “Refinery Loan”), which is currently in default, was $9,315,826 and $9,669,173 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Management believes that we have satisfied the forbearance extension conditions under the Refinery Loan (the “Forbearance Extension Conditions”).  If the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement is rightfully terminated, AFNB can demand payment of all of the amounts owed under the Refinery Loan.  As of the date of filing of this report, management believes that no termination event under the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement has occurred.

After all past due principal, interest, costs, fees and tax have been paid under the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, LE is required to pay $83,333.33 per month for a period of twelve consecutive months to AFNB in order to replenish the $1.0 million payment reserve required by the Refinery Loan Agreement.  After all past due principal and interest (as well as costs, fees and taxes) have been paid, the Refinery Loan will be re-amortized and have a maturity date of October 1, 2028.
 
The principal balance outstanding on the Notre Dame Debt note, which is currently in default, was $1,300,000 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. There are no financial covenants associated with this debt.
 
See Notes (10), “Long-Term Debt” and (17), “Subsequent Events” in Item 1 of this report for additional disclosures related to liquidity and capital resources.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Commodity Price Risk .  We are exposed to market price risk related to our refined products inventory.  The spread between crude oil and refined product prices is the primary factor affecting our operations, liquidity and financial condition. Our crude acquisition costs and refined products sales prices depend on numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include the supply of and demand for crude oil, gasoline, NRLM and other refined products. Supply and demand for these products depend, among other things, on changes in domestic and foreign economies; weather conditions; domestic and foreign political affairs; production levels; availability of imports and exports; marketing of competitive fuels; and government regulation.

In May 2012, we implemented an inventory risk management policy under which Genesis may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments as certain refined product inventories exceed maximum thresholds in an effort to reduce our refined products inventory commodity price risk. However, Genesis’ execution of the inventory risk management plan is outside of our control.  Accordingly, there could be situations in which Genesis fails to execute on the plan or executes on the plan in a manner that causes significant losses to us, all of which are beyond our control.  In the event that our inventory risk management system fails and/or is implemented poorly or not at all, we could experience a material and negative adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.
 
 
46

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, as of June 30, 2012, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

On February 15, 2012, we acquired LE through a reverse acquisition.  Our management is analyzing, evaluating and, where necessary, implementing changes in controls and procedures.  Due to the significance of this acquisition and the limited period of time since the acquisition date, we did not have sufficient resources available to assess the internal controls of LE for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Therefore, we excluded LE from our evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting contained in this quarterly report.  However, management considers the LE acquisition material to our results of operations, cash flows and financial positions and believes that the disclosure controls and procedures of LE will have a material effect on internal controls over financial reporting.  LE will be included in the overall assessment of, and report on, internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.

 
 
47

 

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated February 15, 2012, by and among Blue Dolphin, LEH and Lazarus Louisiana Refinery II, LLC (“LLRII”), the parties agreed to settle and compromise all disputes between them in connection with closing of the Acquisition.  LEH agreed to file a non-suit with prejudice of all pending claims against Blue Dolphin under Cause No. 210-32561, styled Blue Dolphin Energy Company v. Lazarus Energy Holdings, L.L.C. and Lazarus Louisiana Refinery II, L.L.C. , in the 129 th District Court of Harris County, Texas (the “Lawsuit”).  Blue Dolphin agreed that it will not execute or attempt to execute on an order that was signed on May 16, 2011 in the Lawsuit severing LEH’s counterclaims into Cause No. 2010-32561-A, which resulted in a Partial Summary Judgment becoming a final judgment in Blue Dolphin’s favor.

Pursuant to an Order of Nonsuit and Dismissal with Prejudice, a presiding judge ordered, adjudged and decreed that counter-plaintiff LEH’s claims and causes of action in the Lawsuit were dismissed on July 6, 2012.

From time to time we are subject to various lawsuits, claims, liens and administrative proceedings that arise out of the normal course of business.  During the second quarter, a vendor placed a mechanic’s lien on the Nixon Facility as protection during construction activities. As described further under Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” management is executing a liquidity plan to address outstanding payables due to third-parties, although there can be no assurance that the liquidity plan will be successful, management does not believe that the lien will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
We have updated risk factors affecting our business since those presented in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Annual Report”) and Part II, Item 1A in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (the “Quarterly Report”).  Except for the additions below, there have been no material changes in our assessment of our risk factors from those set forth in our Annual Report and Quarterly Report.

Genesis’ hedging on our refined products inventory may limit our gains and expose us to other risks.

We are exposed to market price risk related to our refined products inventory.  The spread between crude oil and refined product prices is the primary factor affecting our operations, liquidity and financial condition. Our crude acquisition costs and refined products sales prices depend on numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include the supply of and demand for crude oil, gasoline, NRLM and other refined products. Supply and demand for these products depend, among other things, on changes in domestic and foreign economies; weather conditions; domestic and foreign political affairs; production levels; availability of imports and exports; marketing of competitive fuels; and government regulation.

In May 2012, we implemented an inventory risk management policy under which Genesis may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments as certain refined product inventories exceed maximum thresholds in an effort to reduce our refined products inventory commodity price risk. However, Genesis’ execution of the inventory risk management plan is outside of our control.  Accordingly, there could be situations in which Genesis fails to execute on the plan or executes on the plan in a manner that causes significant losses to us, all of which are beyond our control.  In the event that our inventory risk management system fails and/or is implemented poorly or not at all, we could experience a material and negative adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.
 
 
48

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
If our liquidity plan is not successful, there will be a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.

We have implemented a liquidity plan to address near-term liquidity issues, as set forth in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”  If the liquidity plan is not successful, there will be a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Our operations are highly dependent on our relationship with Genesis and its affiliates, and, if we are unable to successfully maintain this relationship, our operations, liquidity and financial condition will be harmed.
 
We are party to a variety of contracts and agreements with Genesis and its affiliates that enable the purchase of crude oil, transportation of crude oil, provision of accounting and other services, joint marketing of our refined products and funding of renovations, expansion and other capital expenditures relating to the Nixon Facility.  Further, we have an understanding with Genesis relating to an inventory risk management system, which is intended to reduce the commodity price risk of our finished products inventory and generate a more consistent gross margin for each barrel of refined product.  These agreements and understandings require us to have a close working relationship with Genesis and its affiliates in order for us to be successful in fully executing our business strategy.  If we are unable to maintain such a relationship or our relationship is not on good terms, we believe that it could have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.  We believe that, as of the date hereof, our relationship with Genesis and its affiliates is on good terms.

Our loan with AFNB is in default; there can be no assurance that the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement will remain in effect.

Although the Refinery Loan with AFNB, successor to FIB, is in default, AFNB and LE entered into the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, which automatically extended for another one year term on August 12, 2012 if we met certain conditions,  including:  (a) FIB’s receipt of certain monthly payments during the Initial Forbearance Period, (b) Milam’s completion of the services under the Construction and Funding Agreement; and (c) the Nixon Facility being operational and, among other things, generating a Gross Profit such that FIB received its 50% of an LE profits distribution during the Initial Forbearance Period.

AFNB has sent the Borrowers (including LE) a letter notifying them of certain possible contraventions under the Refinery Loan, the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, the Deed of Trust and the Security Agreement.  These contraventions include an assertion that the merger between Blue Dolphin and LE represented a change of control of LE.  The Borrowers responded to AFNB expressing a belief that they are in compliance with the provisions of the Refinery Loan, the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement, the Deed of Trust and the Security Agreement.   Further, management believes that all such conditions to the Refinery Loan Forbearance Agreement have been met and, as a result, that the Initial Forbearance Period is thereby extended by another year.  However, to the extent that AFNB asserts otherwise and prevails, then the Refinery Loan would become immediately due and payable and we would have to pay off such loan, make other accommodations with AFNB or face foreclosure, which would have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Our primary source of crude oil supply experiences significant price swings, which impacts our crude oil acquisition cost.

The Nixon Facility is located in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale play, an abundant source of domestic petroleum production.  The gathering infrastructure in this area is developing such that, occasionally, large inventories of local crude oil may be transported in bulk away from the Nixon Facility.  When this occurs, we may experience wider than normal swings in crude oil prices in order to obtain our desired levels of crude oil.
 
 
49

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
In 2014, new environmental regulations become effective that reduce the allowable sulfur content for commercially sold diesel in the United States.  Unless the Nixon Facility undergoes significant capital upgrades, we may be limited to selling “off specification” diesel at lower prices.
 
New environmental regulations will become effective in 2014 that reduce the sulfur content that is permitted to be contained in diesel sold commercially in the United States.  In order to meet the higher content standards, the Nixon Facility will have to undergo capital upgrades in excess of approximately $50 million.  In order to complete the required capital upgrades, we will have to finance such capital expenditures primarily through the issuance of debt and/or equity, which would result in dilution to existing stockholders and/or subject us to higher debt levels.  There can be no assurance that we can obtain such financing at rates or at terms acceptable to us, if at all.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.
 
 
50

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 6 .    EXHIBITS
 
(a)
Exhibits:
   
  The following exhibits are filed herewith:
   
 
10.1
Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement by and between GEL Tex Marketing, LLC and Lazarus Energy, LLC dated as of August 12, 2011.
 
10.2
Construction and Funding Contract by and between Lazarus Energy, LLC dated as of August 12, 2011.
 
10.3
Joint Marketing Agreement by and between GEL Tex Marketing, LLC and Lazarus Energy, LLC dated as of August 12, 2011.
 
10.4
Acknowledgment Letter between Lazarus Energy, LLC and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC dated June 1, 2012.
 
10.5
Letter Agreement between Lazarus Energy, LLC and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC dated June 25, 2012.
 
10.6
Letter Agreement between Lazarus Energy, LLC and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC dated July 30, 2012.
 
10.7
Letter Agreement between Lazarus Energy, LLC and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC dated August 1, 2012.
 
31.1
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.2
Tommy L. Byrd Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
Tommy L. Byrd Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document.
 
101.CA
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
101.LAB
XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
 
101.PRE
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
101.DEF
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
51

 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


   
By:   BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
 
       
       
August 14, 2012
 
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL
 
   
Jonathan P. Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, President,
Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
       
August 14, 2012
 
/s/ TOMMY L. BYRD
 
   
Tommy L. Byrd
Interim Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
52



 
EXHIBIT 10.1
 
 
 
 
CRUDE OIL SUPPLY AND THROUGHPUT SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
by and between
 
GEL TEX MARKETING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company and a Genesis Energy, LLC affiliate,
 
and
 
LAZARUS ENERGY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
Dated as of August 12, 2011
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE  OF CONTENTS
 
Article I DEFINITIONS 
1
 
       
  1.1           Definitions Contained in the Construction Contract
1
 
  1.2           Terms 
1
 
  1.3           Other Capitalized Terms 
4
 
  1.4           Exhibits and Schedules 
4
 
  1.5           Amendment of Defined Instruments
4
 
  1.6           References and Titles 
4
 
       
Article II Term 
5
 
     
  2.1           Term 
5
 
  2.2           Early Termination 
5
 
       
Article III Crude Oil Supply 
5
 
     
  3.1           Exclusive Supplier 
5
 
  3.2           Storage Tank Usage 
5
 
  3.3           Compensation for Crude Oil; Grant of Lien 
6
 
  3.4           Lazarus Use of Crude Oil 
6
 
       
Article IV Throughput Service 
6
 
     
  4.1           Facility Operating Hours
6
 
  4.2           Delivery and Redelivery 
6
 
  4.3           Rates and Services 
7
 
  4.4           Lease Option 
8
 
       
Article V Nixon Facilities 
8
 
     
  5.1           Quality and Quantity 
8
 
  5.2           Title and Custody 
9
 
  5.3           Cleaning, Removal and Disposal 
9
 
  5.4           Pollution 
9
 
       
Article VI Taxes, Assessments and Other Governmental Charges 
10
 
       
  6.1           Filings 
10
 
  6.2           New Taxes 
10
 
  6.3           Collection of Excise Taxes 
10
 
       
Article VII Insurance 
11
 
       
  7.1           Crude Oil Insurance 
11
 
  7.2           Liability Insurance 
11
 
       
Article VIII Liability and Indemnity
11
 
     
  8.1           Indemnity 
11
 
  8.2           Crude Oil Shrinkage, etc
12
 
  8.3           Compliance with Regulations 
12
 
  8.4           Environmental Indemnity 
12
 
  8.5           Guarantees and Warranties 
13
 
       
Article IX Force Majeure 
13
 

 
 

 
 
Article X Additional Facilities
14
 
       
  10.1         Option to Build Additional Facilities
14
 
  10.2         Cost and Operation of Additional Facilities 
14
 
       
Article XI Miscellaneous
15
 
     
  11.1         Warranties and Representations    
  11.2         Confidentiality of Information 
15
 
  11.3         Remedies
15
 
  11.4         Survival of Obligations 
16
 
  11.5         LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
16
 
  11.6         Preservation of Liability 
16
 
  11.7         Binding Effect; Duration
16
 
  11.8         Notices 
16
 
  11.9         CHOICE OF LAW 
17
 
  11.10       Dispute Resolution 
17
 
  11.11       Amendment and Waiver 
17
 
  11.12       Severability 
17
 
  11.13       Counterparts 
17
 
  11.14       Successors and Assigns
17
 
  11.15       Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections
17
 
  11.16       Joint Drafting
18
 
  11.17       Conflicting Terms . 
18
 
  11.18       Acknowledgement of Exculpatory Provisions 
18
 
  11.19       FINAL AGREEMENT 
18
 

 
 

 

CRUDE OIL SUPPLY AND
THROUGHPUT SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS CRUDE OIL SUPPLY AND THROUGHPUT SERVICES AGREEMENT (this " Agreement" ) is made and entered into this 12 th  day of August, 2011 (the "Effective  Date") by and between  GEL Tex  Marketing,  LLC, a Delaware  limited  liability  company  and a Genesis Energy, LLC affiliate, whose address is 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002 ("GEL"), and  Lazarus  Energy  LLC,  a  Delaware  limited  liability  company,  with  an  address  of  3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas  77027 (" Lazarus" ).   GEL and Lazarus may be referred to in this Agreement individually as " Party " or collectively as "Parties."

RECITALS :

WHEREAS, Lazarus owns and operates the Facility in Nixon, Texas, which is located on the real property described on Exhibit   A attached hereto and made a part hereof and the buildings and improvements  thereon, for the processing and refining of Crude Oil into refined products;
 
WHEREAS,  GEL and Lazarus desire to enter into a transaction  whereby GEL supplies Lazarus with one hundred percent (100%) of its Crude Oil requirements for the Facility;
 
WHEREAS,  GEL and Lazarus  also desire to provide for the storage and processing of crude oil at the Facility; and
 
WHEREAS,  this Agreement  sets forth the terms and conditions  upon which the Parties have agreed to undertake the transaction.
 
NOW, THEREFORE,  for and in consideration  of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1      Definitions Contained   in the Construction Contract . Notwithstanding   ant termination   of  the  Construction   Contract,   unless  otherwise   defined   herein  or  the  context otherwise  requires,  all  capitalized  terms  used  but  not  defined  in  this  Agreement  have  the meanings given to those terms in the Construction Contract.
 
1.2       Terms.    Capitalized  terms used in this Agreement  shall have the meaning set forth below unless otherwise specified.
 
" Additional  Facilities " has the meaning set forth in Section   1 0.1.
 
" Affiliate "  means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified, and in addition, with respect to the Lazarus, (a) any director or officer of such Person or of any Person referred to above  or  (b) if  any  Person  in  above  is  an  individual,  any  member  of  the  immediate  family (including parents, spouse and children) of such individual and any trust whose principal beneficiary is such individual or one or more members of such immediate family and any Person who is controlled by any such member or trust.  As used in this definition, "control" (including, with its correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control with") means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of Equity Interests, by contract or otherwise); provided that, in any event, (i)  any Person who owns directly or indirectly ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body of a corporation or ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests of any other Person (other than as a limited partner of such other Person) will be deemed to control such corporation or other Person, and (ii) any subsidiary of any Lazarus shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Lazarus.
 
 
1

 
 
" Agreement " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph and includes any amendment, modification or restatement of this Agreement.
 
" Confidential   Information " has the meaning set forth in Section   11.2.
 
" Construction   Contract " means that certain Construction and Funding Contract dated of even date herewith by and between Lazarus and Milam Services, Inc. a Delaware corporation and an affiliate of GEL, and any amendments, modifications and restatement thereof.
 
" Cost   of   Crude   Oil " means the price ("Price $USD") calculated using the pricing formula set forth on Exhibit   B.
 
"Crude Oil" means all crude oil, condensate and other liquid hydrocarbon substances. "Dispute  Resolution  Agreement" means that  certain  Dispute Resolution Agreement, dated of even date herewith,  by and  between Lazarus, GEL and certain of their respective Affiliates, and any amendments, modifications and restatements thereof.
 
" Effective   Date '  shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
 
" Equity Interests " means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any, warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest.
 
" Facility " means the refinery and related terminal facilities, lands and equipment related thereto owned or operated by Lazarus located in Nixon, Texas.
 
" GEL " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.
 
" H2S " means hydrogen sulfide.
 
 
2

 
 
" Initial   Term " has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
 
" Interim Agreement " means that certain Interim Throughput Services Agreement dated January  11,  2011  by  and  between  Lazarus  and  Genesis  Crude  Oil,  LP,  a  Delaware  limited partnership,  and  any  amendments,  modifications  and  restatements  thereof,  attached  hereto  as Exhibit C.
 
" Joint   Marketing   Agreement "  means  that  certain  Joint  Marketing  Agreement  dated of even date herewith by and between Lazarus and GEL, and any amendments,  modifications  and restatements thereof.
 
" Lazarus "  has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and includes any successors or assigns.
 
" Loss   Threshold " has the meaning set forth in Section   8.2.
 
" Nixon  Product " means the Crude Oil and other Hydrocarbons refined and processed by Lazarus at the Facility pursuant to the terms of this Agreement "Offer Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1. "Option"  has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
 
" Ordinary  Course  of Business "  means the ordinary  course of business  consistent  with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity and frequency).
 
" Party "  and " Parties "  have the meaning  set forth  in the introductory  paragraph of this Agreement.
 
" Person " means an individual, corporation,  partnership,  limited liability company, joint venture, trust or unincorporated  organization, joint stock company or other similar organization, government or any political subdivision thereof, a court, or any other legal entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.
 
" Pre-Construction   Period " has the meaning set forth in Section   1 0 .1.
 
" Prudent   Operator " means a reasonable, prudent operator experienced in the operation of Crude Oil refineries and who is, at the time of any specific determination, situated similarly to Lazarus in material respects.
 
" Regulations " has the meaning set forth in Section   8.3. " Renewal   Term " has the meaning set forth in Section   2.1. " Response   Period " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
 
" Storage Tanks " means the following storage tanks with the specified capacity all located at the Facility:
 
 
3

 
 
Tank No.51
10,000 Bbls
Tank No. 53
55,000 Bbls
Tank No. 54
55,000 Bbls

" Tank   Storage   Fee " has the meaning set forth in  Section   4.3.  " Taxes " has the meaning set forth in  Section   6.1.
 
" Term " has the meaning set forth in Section   2.1.
 
1.3       Other   Capitalized   Terms .  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in Section   1.2 shall have the meanings given them elsewhere in this Agreement.

1.4       Exhibits   and   Schedules.   All exhibits and schedules attached to this Agreement are part of this Agreement for all purposes.
 
1.5      Amendment of Defined Instruments .   Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise provided herein, the terms defined in this Agreement which refer to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications,  amendments  and  restatement of  such  agreement,  instrument  or  document. Nothing contained in this Section 1.5 will be construed to authorize any renewal, extension, modification, amendment or restatement.
 
1.6      References and Titles .   All references in this Agreement to exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise.   The words "this Agreement," "this instrument," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular  subdivision  unless  expressly  so  limited.  The  phrases  "this  section"  and  "this subsection" and similar phrases refer only to the sections or subsections of this Agreement in which those phrases occur.  The word "or" is not exclusive; the word "including" (in its various forms)  means "including  without  limitation."    Pronouns  in  masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.  The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall."  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained herein), (c) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word "from" means "from and including" and the word "to" means "to and including." No provision of this Agreement or any other Contract Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.
 
 
4

 
 
ARTICLE II
 
TERM
 
2.1        Term .
 
(a)       The initial term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years commencing  on  the  Effective  Date  (the  " Initial   Term" ),  unless  earlier  terminated pursuant to Section   2.2.
 
(b)       After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1)   year terms (each a " Renewal   Term, " and together with the Initial Term, collectively, the " Term" ), unless either Party hereto, within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as applicable, notifies the other Party as to its election to terminate this Agreement or unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section   2.2.
 
2.2        Early   Termination.
 
(a)       Without prejudice to any other right or remedy, the unexcused failure of either Party to carry out any term or provision of this Agreement, for a period of forty­ five (45) days after written notice specifying such failure has been given by the other Party, shall constitute good cause for immediate termination of this Agreement by such other Party without any liability on the part of the terminating Party.
 
(b)       Ifuse of Lazarus's equipment and facilities for storage and/or handling of the Crude Oil is restrained or enjoined by judicial process or terminated by any Governmental Authority or terminated by right to exercise or the right of eminent domain by any Governmental Authority or Person, GEL may, at its option and without liability to GEL, terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Lazarus.
 
(c)       In  the  event  that  the  Joint  Marketing  Agreement  is  terminated, this Agreement shall terminate effective as of the  effective date of the termination of the Joint Marketing Agreement, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing by the Parties.
 
(d)       In the event that (i) Lazarus is in breach of the Construction Contract, and GEL or its Affiliate elects to terminate that agreement or (ii) GEL or its Affiliate terminates the Construction Contract pursuant to Section 18.5 of that agreement, GEL may terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion.
 
ARTICLE III
 
CRUDE   OIL   SUPPLY
 
3.1       Exclusive Supplier .  GEL shall be the exclusive supplier of Crude Oil for all operational requirements for the Facility which are estimated to be up to 15,000 Bbls/day.
 
3.2       Storage   Tank   Usage.   GEL will  have exclusive use and  utilization of  the Storage Tanks during the Term of this Agreement.
 
 
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3.3        Compensation   for   Crude   Oil;   Grant   of   Lien . All Crude Oil shall be provided to Lazarus at the Cost of Crude Oil.  All Crude Oil supplied to Lazarus by GEL will be paid for by Lazarus pursuant to and through the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement. As security for all of the obligations owed to GEL or its Affiliates under the Joint Marketing Agreement, Lazarus hereby grants, assigns, transfers and conveys to GEL a security interest in and a general lien upon the Nixon Product and any profits, proceeds, products, revenues and other income derived from or attributable to the Nixon Product until such time as Lazarus has fulfilled its obligations under the Joint Marketing Agreement.
 
3.4       Lazarus   Use   of   Crude   Oil .  Lazarus shall not be entitled to use the shipments of Crude Oil received from GEL for any purpose other than for the operation of the Facility or as otherwise set forth herein.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
THROUGHPUT   SERVICE

4.1       Facility   Operating   Hours .  Lazarus shall ensure that the Facility is available for Crude Oil transfers to and from the Storage Tanks, as applicable, for truck, rail or pipeline transfers twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week; provided , however, that rail transfer shall be an option only upon availability of a rail spur to the Facility.
 
4.2       Delivery   and   Redelivery.
 
(a)       Lazarus  shall  give  GEL  written  documentation  of  the  receipt  and/or delivery of each shipment of Crude Oil, which notice shall specify:  (i) the name of the carrier, (ii) the carrying vehicle or vessel, (iii) the custody transfer point, (iv) the type, grade, quantity and quality (including H2S content) of Crude Oil as required by the Facility, (v) the estimated time of arrival thereof and (vi) any other pertinent information, including without limitation any and all documentation required by law concerning the receipt, handling or storage of Crude Oil.   This documentation shall be given for each twenty-four (24) hour period as to trucks, rail and pipeline deliveries at the Facility. The handling of trucks shall be in accordance with the rules, regulations and rates set forth in this Article   IV.     It is GEL's sole responsibility to arrange, coordinate and expedite all carrier movements.   Lazarus will cooperate in arranging, coordinating and expediting such movements, but any such cooperation shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions of this Section   4.2(a) .
 
(b)      Lazarus shall, under ordinary circumstances, receive Crude Oil from (as the case may be) tank trucks, rail or pipeline deliveries in the order of arrival or receipt (as the case may be) at the Facility, but Lazarus shall nevertheless be entitled to depart from such order for the purpose of complying with the regulations or directives of applicable Government Authorities or for insuring the smooth operation of the Facility's operations.
 
(c)      Although every effort will be made to remove as much Crude Oil as possible from the Storage Tanks, or tank trucks, Lazarus is not obligated to squeegee out  any of the foregoing, but will remove as much material as practicable using the Facility's standard  equipment  and  procedures.     GEL  agrees  that  only  liquid  material  will  be pumped through the Facility's  system.  Further, Lazarus shall not be liable for any Crude Oil and/or material remaining in the Storage Tanks and tank trucks.
 
 
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(d)      Lazarus's  obligation  to provide  labor  necessary  to perform  the services agreed  upon  herein  is  limited  to furnishing  personnel  to  perform  in  accordance  with prevailing industry standards.   Any additional costs that may arise due to labor disputes, jurisdictional or otherwise, regarding the control of the movement of material or handling of equipment or hoses between the Facility and any tank truck, is for Lazarus's  account, and GEL shall not be liable therefore.   GEL will not perform any services aboard any vessel.
 
(e)   GEL SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY, LAZARUS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES)  ARISING  OUT  OF ANY  ACTIONS  OR  OMISSIONS  OF  GEL WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY, GRADE, PURITY, COMPOSITION OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC(S) OF SUCH CRUDE OIL.   LAZARUS  SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY, GEL AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF LAZARUS WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY, GRADE, PURITY, COMPOSITION OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC(S) OF SUCH CRUDE OIL.
 
4.3            Rates   and   Services.
 
(a)      Tank  Storage  Fee.   GEL  shall pay to Lazarus  a rate of $0.50  per shell barrel  per  month  for the  use  of the Storage  Tanks  (the "Tank  Storage  Fee"), for the limited purpose of providing funds to Lazarus for start up of operations at the Facility. Lazarus shall receive the Tank Storage Fee as a part of, and the Tank Storage Fee shall be included in the calculation of the Distribution of Gross Profits (as defined in the Joint Marketing Agreement), until such time as GEL determines, in consultation with Lazarus, that  the  Tank  Storage  Fee  is  no longer  necessary  to  fund  Lazarus'  operations  at  the Facility.  GEL shall be reimbursed for all Tank Storage Fees paid in accordance with the terms of the Joint Marketing Agreement.
 
(b)     Tank or Pipeline  Cleaning.   GEL acknowledges  that, as of the Effective Date, the Storage Tanks and related pipeline system are acceptable for its use.  Upon termination  of this Agreement, GEL shall remove its Crude Oil from the Storage Tanks, Facility and pipeline system and will return the Storage Tanks to the same condition they were as of the Effective Date.
 
 
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(c)        Holdover.   In the event that any Crude Oil remains in the Storage Tanks beyond the termination of this Agreement, GEL shall remain obligated to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. IN THE EVENT THAT LAZARUS INCURS ANY CHARGES OR LIABILITY TO ANY THIRD PERSON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW, AS A RESULT OF GEL'S CRUDE OIL REMAINING IN THE STORAGE TANKS AND ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF LAZARUS, LAZARUS SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY GEL, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL SUCH CHARGES OR LIABILITY.
 
(d)        Contracted Services . For any service or function not specifically provided for in this Agreement, which Lazarus may request and GEL agrees to engage a third Person to provide such services, Lazarus shall pay for such services.

(e)        Other   Payments.    Except for the Tank Storage Fee, Lazarus shall not charge GEL any fee or cost for the storage of Crude Oil provided for the operation of the Facility; provided , however, that, after the Initial Operation Date, if GEL determines that it will use the Storage Tanks for purposes other than to supply Crude Oil for the operation of the Facility, then GEL shall pay to Lazarus a throughput services fee for the use of the Storage Tanks for such other purposes, with such fee to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.              ·
 
4.4       Lease Option .   If GEL or its Affiliate terminates the Construction Contract pursuant to Section 18.5 of that agreement, and such termination, directly or indirectly, results in the termination of this Agreement, then GEL or its Affiliates shall have the option to lease the Storage Tanks on terms and conditions substantially similar to those provided under the Interim Agreement; provided , however, that (i) the term of such lease shall be for a minimum of three (3) years, (ii)  the Tank Throughput Fee (as defined in the Interim Agreement) shall be a rate mutually agreed upon by GEL or its Affiliates and Lazarus and (iii) if a third party becomes the supplier of Crude Oil to Lazarus for the operational requirements for the Facility, such lease shall remain in effect pursuant to its terms.
 
ARTICLE V
 
N I X O N   F A CIL I TIES
 
5.1       Quality and Quantity .  GEL acknowledges and agrees that it is familiar in all respects with the Facility.  At their sole discretion, GEL shall have a representative inspect and accept the Storage Tanks and other facilities as suitable in all respects for the Crude Oil and for GEL's  needs before the initial receipt of Crude Oil by the Facility.  If GEL fails to do so, the Storage Tanks and other facilities shall be deemed suitable in all respects for the Crude Oil and for GEL's needs.  There will be no fees for mixing, blending and or circulating Crude Oil in the on-premises facilities.   The degree of success, if any, from  Facility's  performance of such operations is dependent upon the particular characteristics of the Crude Oil involved and is beyond the control of GEL.  Unless otherwise specified in Article   IV , all inbound and outbound  quantities of Crude Oil shall be determined by gauging of the Storage Tanks or by proven meters (if available).  Tank gauging shall be conducted by an independent inspector when requested, appointed by and paid for by GEL.  If GEL fails to provide such inspector, Lazarus's quantity determinations shall be conclusively presumed to be correct.   In all cases, all quantity determinations shall be conclusively presumed to be correct after ninety (90) days from the date of measurement, reading, or gauging unless within such ninety (90) day period GEL objects to the quantity determination by notifying Lazarus in writing.
 
 
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5.2       Title   and   Custody .  Title  to  the  Crude  Oil  stored,  transferred  or  handled hereunder shall always remain with GEL.  Lazarus shall be deemed to have title to the Crude Oil only at the time that it passes the flange connection between the Storage Tanks to the Lazarus delivery line, into the Facility.
 
5.3       Cleaning,   Removal   and   Disposal.
 
(a)       GEL agrees to use the Storage Tanks and facilities of Facility only for the storage of Crude Oil.  Lazarus shall be responsible for any damages, including but not limited to all environmental liabilities arising out of any actions or omissions of Lazarus related to storage of the Crude Oil.  In any event, upon termination of this Agreement, GEL shall remove and dispose of, at its expense, all residual material from Storage Tanks, equipment and or facilities at GEL's sole cost and expense.

(b)       Any  removal  and  disposal  of  Crude  Oil,  goods,  material, or  residue pursuant to Section 5.3(a) shall (i) be in strict compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and (ii) be registered, logged, charted, manifested, or otherwise  noted  as  being  the  sole  and  exclusive  property  of  GEL. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER INDEMNIFICATION CONTAINED HEREIN, GEL SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY LAZARUS AND ITS RESPECTIVE PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) RESULTING FROM GEL'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION 5.3(b).

5.4       Pollution .  In the event of a discharge or threat of discharge of Crude Oil or other pollutant or hazardous substance from a GEL vessel or the Facility upon the land or water adjacent to the Facility while a GEL vessel is at or near the Facility, Lazarus and GEL shall cooperate and promptly take such steps as are necessary to prevent further discharge or threat, and to minimize damage resulting from and to clean up any such discharge, regardless of fault. The cost of such steps shall be recoverable between GEL and Lazarus according to their comparative fault.  Failing an agreement between the parties with respect to such comparative fault within ninety (90) days of the date of the discharge or threat of discharge, the matter shall be subject to dispute resolution in accordance with Section   11. 1 0 .  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.4 to the contrary, the provisions of this Section   5.4 shall not affect, as between the parties, any liability of either Party to a third Person for costs or damages other than clean up costs expended by the parties pursuant to this Section   5.4 , whether such be private or governmental parties.

 
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5.5      Facility Operations .  Lazarus shall operate the Facility in the Ordinary Course of Business and shall (i) maintain and keep the property and Equipment of the Facility in good repair, working order and condition in a manner consistent with the conduct of a Prudent Operator, (ii)  subject to  Section  7.2,  purchase and  keep  in  full force  and effect  insurance coverage with respect to the Facility and its assets in amounts as would be maintained by any Prudent  Operators similarly  situated,  (iii)  maintain  the  books  and  records  of  the  Facility consistent with past practice and (iv) comply in all material respects with all Laws and Permits applicable to the Facility.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGES
 
6.1      Filings .  Lazarus shall file any and all information returns and rendition forms as may be required by any governmental authority with respect to the Crude Oil.  In addition to any other charges to be paid by GEL hereunder, Lazarus shall pay GEL for taxes, duties, import fees, assessments or other charges (hereinafter collectively "Taxes") levied by any governmental body upon GEL's Crude Oil stored in Storage Tanks or elsewhere on Lazarus's premises and or on the storing, handling, shipping, disposing, transportation or use thereof which Lazarus may be required to pay or collect.  Lazarus shall also pay for any additional or increased Taxes levied upon GEL by reason of Lazarus's storage of: Crude Oil on, or use or occupancy of, Lazarus's Storage Tanks or premises or any building, structure or equipment thereon; provided, however, that Lazarus shall not pay any more than its proportionate share of such Taxes attributable to GEL's Crude Oil.  Such Taxes or increased or additional Taxes shall be paid by Lazarus upon receipt of written notice thereof from GEL or any Governmental Authority.
 
6.2      New Taxes .  Should any new tax, fee or levy be imposed upon Lazarus by any governmental body or agency because of Lazarus's terminal operations, or should Lazarus be required  by  new  governmental regulation to  install additional equipment or to  modify the Facility  or  standard  handling  procedures  in  order  to  continue  to  provide  the  services contemplated by this Agreement, then and in any such event, Lazarus shall be required to pay all of the amounts owed for such new tax, fee, levy, equipment cost (including installation cost) or handling cost.  In the event Lazarus shall fail to pay such Taxes or increased or additional Taxes or such new taxes, equipment costs or handling costs as provided herein, then same may be paid by GEL, and the amount thereof shall be charged to Lazarus by GEL and shall be payable with the storage or other charges next due after presentation of said invoice by GEL.   LAZARUS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY GEL, ITS MANAGER, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL EXPENSES AND LIABILITY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION   FINES,   PENALTIES   AND   REASONABLE   ATTORNEYS'   FEES)   IN RESPECT TO THE COLLECTION, DISBURSEMENT AND REPORTING OF ALL SUCH TAXES.
 
6.3      Collection of Excise Taxes .  GEL shall be solely responsible for collecting and disbursing any and all federal, state and/or local excise taxes now or hereinafter enacted and payable in respect to any and all Crude Oil delivered hereunder, and GEL shall be solely responsible for  reporting  and/or  filing  any tax  returns in  connection  with same;  provided, however , that such tax returns shall be filed by GEL only for Crude Oil that is inventory stored at the Facility.
 
 
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ARTICLE VII
 
INSURANCE

7.1        Crude   Oil   Insurance .  GEL hereby acknowledges terms specified herein do not contemplate or include liability for loss of or damage to the Crude Oil or an allowance for liability insurance covering the Crude Oil, except as specifically set forth herein.  Lazarus agrees to secure and maintain in effect a contract of property insurance, to the full market value of all Crude Oil stored, transferred or handled hereunder, insuring against all risks of loss, damage or contamination of the Crude Oil, including, but not limited to, evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage, discoloration, contamination, damage, destruction or any other loss or damage, and to have GEL's name inserted as an additional insured in said policies, and GEL shall be deemed to be co-insured, whether so named or not, and to secure a waiver of assignment and/or subrogation from the property underwriters in favor of GEL on account of any Crude Oil claims paid by such underwriters.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Lazarus shall be liable to and hold GEL, its agents and employees, its manager, and their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliates harmless from any and all claims, demands, losses, costs and expenses for Crude Oil loss, damage or contamination, of whatsoever kind and howsoever arising.  In any claim or suit for Crude Oil loss, damage or contamination, it will be presumed that such insurance, if it had been procured and maintained, would have covered the occurrence, loss, damage or contamination in question.  All deductibles under such property insurance policies shall be for the account of Lazarus. Lazarus shall provide to GEL satisfactory evidence that it has complied with the property insurance requirements of this Agreement prior to the delivery of any Crude Oil to the Facility.
 
7.2       Liability   Insurance.     Lazarus  shall  secure  and  maintain  in  effect  liability insurance covering their respective liabilities hereunder, including defense and indemnity obligations, with minimum limits of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and including a waiver of subrogation in favor of the other Party to the extent of the liabilities assumed by the primary insured hereunder.  Lazarus shall provide to GEL satisfactory evidence of compliance with their respective liability insurance requirements under this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE VIII
 
LIABILIT Y   AND   IN   D E MNIT Y
 
8.1     Indemnity .    LAZARUS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY  GEL,  ITS  MANAGER,  AND  THEIR  RESPECTIVE  PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES  AND  AFFILIATES  FROM  AND  AGAINST  ALL  CLAIMS,  LOSSES, SUITS, LIABILITY AND EXPENSE (OTHER THAN FOR CRUDE OIL LOSS, DAMAGE OR CONTAMINATION) CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR CONTRACTORS  IN   THE   PERFORMANCE  OF   THIS  AGREEMENT.  GEL  SHALL DEFEND,  HOLD  HARMLESS  AND  INDEMNIFY  LAZARUS,  ITS  MANAGER,  AND THEIR   RESPECTIVE   PARENTS,   SUBSIDIARIES  AND   AFFILIATES   FROM  AND AGAINST  ALL CLAIMS,  LOSSES, SUITS, LIABILITY  AND EXPENSE  CAUSED BY OR RESULTING  FROM  (I)  GROSS  NEGLIGENCE  OR  WILLFUL  MISCONDUCT  ON  THE PART  OF  GEL,  ITS  EMPLOYEES,  AGENTS  OR  CONTRACTORS  (INCLUDING,  BUT NOT LIMITED  TO, ANY CONTRACTORS  TRANSPORTING CRUDE  OIL TO OR FROM THE FACILITY)  IN THE PERFORMANCE  OF THIS AGREEMENT,  AND (II) LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THE FAlLURE OF CRUDE OIL TO MEET THE GCO PROVIDED SPECIFICATIONS  AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY.
 
 
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8.2        Crude   Oil   Shrinkage,   etc.   GEL shall not be liable for evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage,  or discoloration  of the Crude Oil stored, transferred  or handled hereunder, stored  in the Tank or while the Crude  Oil is in the process  of being received  into, stored or redelivered out of the Tank to the extent that such evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration affects an amount of Crude Oil in excess of one percent (1%) of the total amount of Crude Oil in the Tanks (the " Loss   Threshold" ),  and GEL shall not be liable for contamination, damage,  destruction  or any  other  loss  or damage  to such  Crude  Oil except  when caused  by GEL's  failure to use reasonable care in the safekeeping  and handling of the Crude Oil.   GEL shall be liable for evaporation,  shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration  of the Crude Oil to the extent that such evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration affects an amount of Crude Oil less than the Loss Threshold.
 
8.3       Compliance  with  Regulations . GEL  shall  execute  in  its  name,  pay for  and furnish to Lazarus  all information,  documents,  labels,  placards, containers  and other materials which may be required by statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations of OSHA, Departments of Transportation  or Energy, or the Interstate Commerce  Commission  or any other governmental body  or  agency  having  jurisdiction,  relating  to  the  describing,  packaging,  receiving,  storing, handling,  disposal  or  shipping  of  the  Crude  Oil  (hereinafter  collectively  the  "Regulations"), together  with  detailed  written  instructions  as to  their  use  and  disposition.    GEL FURTHER AGREES  TO  DEFEND,  HOLD  HARMLESS  AND  INDEMNIFY  LAZARUS,  ITS MANAGER,  AND  THEIR  RESPECTIVE   PARENTS,  SUBSIDIARIES  AND  AFFILIATES FROM   AND   AGAINST   ANY  FINES,  LOSS,   DAMAGE   OR  EXPENSE   (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) RESULTING FROM VIOLATION  OF  THE  REGULATIONS  RESULTING  FROM  THE  GROSS  NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF GEL OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES OR FROM ANY PROCEEDINGS  IN WHICH SUCH A VIOLATION OF THE REGULATIONS RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF GEL OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES IS CHARGED EXCEPT WHEN DIRECTLY ARISING FROM LAZARUS'S FAILURE TO REASONABLY FOLLOW THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS OF GEL.
 
8.4     Environmental Indemnity .  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY   IN  THIS  AGREEMENT,   LAZARUS  SHALL  ASSUME  RESPONSIBILITY FOR,  AND  SHALL   INDEMNIFY   GEL,  ITS  MANAGER,   AND   THEIR  RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM, AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, WITHOUT MONETARY  LIMIT, RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING:
 
 
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(a)       ALL REMEDIAL WORK REQUIRED BY A RELEASE INTO THE ENVIRONMENT THAT OCCURS PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE FROM THE FACILITY, THE SITE OR THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (IF ANY), WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY LAZARUS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SPILLS OF FUELS, LUBRICANTS, MOTOR OILS, PIPE DOPE, PAINT, SOLVENTS, BALLAST, BILGE AND GARBAGE, DEBRIS, OR ANY OTHER SUBSTANCES;
 
(b)     ANY PAST OR FUTURE LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH RESULTING  FROM  THE  OPERATIONS  OF  THE  FACILITY  OR  THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (IF ANY), WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY LAZARUS; OR
 
(c)       ANY   PAST,   PRESENT,  OR   FUTURE  VIOLATIONS  BY  ANY PERSON OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE LAWS, AND ALL RELATED REGULATIONS OR ORDERS ISSUED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE FACILITY, THE SITE OR THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (IF ANY).
 
8.5      Guarantees   and   Warranties.       EXCEPT  AS  EXPRESSLY  HEREIN PROVIDED, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY GEL OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHETHER ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE.
 
ARTICLE IX
 
FORCE   MAJEURE
 
GEL shall not be liable for any delay or nonperformance of its obligations under this Agreement when any of the foregoing is caused in whole or in part by any act of God or the public enemy or by labor troubles, strikes, lockouts, non-availability of labor, riots, fires, storms, lightning, floods, hurricanes, washouts, tornadoes, explosions, breakdown or failure of or accident to the Tank, pipelines, machinery or equipment, transportation embargoes or congestions, governmental embargoes or interventions, failure or delay of manufacturers or persons from whom GEL obtains equipment, materials or supplies to deliver the same or from any law, proclamation, regulation (including environmental protection regulations) or order of any government, governmental agency or court having or claiming to have jurisdiction over any part of the Facility (as defined in Article I) or rights-of-way, cancellation or withdrawal of permits by government, governmental agencies or any other cause beyond GEL's  reasonable control, whether such other can  be of the class herein specifically provided for or not and whether the cause is or is not existing on the date of this Agreement.  In the event of destruction of or damage to Lazarus' facilities, GEL shall not be required to furnish additional or alternate facilities. If any cause listed or referred to in this Article IX should result in GEL's delay or non performance of its obligations under this Agreement for a period of more than forty-five (45) days, then GEL shall have the right to cancel the Agreement by giving Lazarus written notice of cancellation. Upon  cancellation  pursuant to this Article  IX, GEL and Lazarus  will have no future obligations or rights under the Agreement other than Lazarus's  obligation to deliver Crude Oil in its possession to GEL.
 
 
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ARTICLE X
 
ADDITIONAL   F ACI L TTIES
 
10.1    Option to Build Additional Facilities .  Lazarus hereby grants GEL the exclusive option (the "Option") to build additional tank storage facilities for the storage of Crude Oil at the Facility and/or related equipment,  including  but not limited to truck racks, pipelines, or other storage  or transportation  facilities  (the "Additional  Facilities"),  which Option  shall be for the entire Term.   In the event that GEL elects to exercise the Option, GEL shall provide notice of such election to Lazarus and the Parties will mutually agree on the location of the Additional Facilities.   In connection  with the Option, Lazarus agrees that it will provide, free of all costs, claims  and  liabilities,  all necessary easements,  rights-of-way,  permits  and other  access rights which are necessary for the construction and use of the Additional Facilities, including, but not limited  to, access  to  all existing  or  yet to  be constructed  interconnection  points  and  related devices  and equipment  required to connect  the Additional  Facilities  to the Facility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.1, if, after the Initial Operation Date, Lazarus receives a bona fide offer from a third party to build the Additional Facilities, Lazarus shall provide written notice of such offer (the "Offer Notice") to GEL, and GEL shall have up to 30 days after it receives the Offer Notice (the "Response Period") to give notice to Lazarus of its intent to exercise the Option.  If GEL (a) provides notice to Lazarus of its intent not to exercise the Option or (b) does not provide any response to the Offer Notice during the Response Period, then GEL shall be deemed to have waived the Option.   If during the Response Period GEL affirmatively indicates to Lazarus in writing that it will exercise the Option, then GEL shall have 180 days after receipt by Lazarus of such written notice (the "Pre-Construction  Period") to (y) negotiate the consideration  and other terms for the post-construction operation of the Additional Facilities by Lazarus, such consideration and terms to be substantially similar to those under the Interim  Agreement  and (z)  begin construction  of the Additional  Facilities.   Unless otherwise agreed  upon  by the  Parties  in  writing,  if GEL  has not  begun construction  of  the Additional Facilities by the end of the Pre-Construction Period, then GEL shall be deemed to have forever waived its right to build the Additional Facilities, and Lazarus shall be free to allow any third party to build such Additional Facilities.
 
10.2    Cost and Operation of Additional  Facilities .   In the event that GEL elects to exercise the Option provided for in Section 10.1, the costs of the construction of the Additional Facilities shall be at the sole cost and expense of GEL.  Upon completion of the construction of the Additional Facilities, Lazarus will operate such tanks on terms and for a period to be agreed to by the Parties.
 
 
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ARTICLE XI
 
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1     Warranties   and   Representations.   Each of the Parties represents and warrants that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party (i) has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action and (ii) does not require the consent or approval of any other Person, (b) neither the execution nor delivery of this Agreement nor fulfillment of or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof will conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or instrument (including, without limitation, any of its formation or governing documents) to which such Party is now subject, and (c) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Party, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
 
11.2    Confidentiality of   Information.    The Parties acknowledge that during the performance of this Agreement, confidential or proprietary information (the "Confidential Information" ) may become known to the other Party.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each Party shall protect the Confidential Information of the other Party with the same degree of care it uses to protect its own Confidential Information, but not less than a reasonable degree of care, and shall not use such information to its own benefit or the benefit of third parties; provided that the Party disclosing such Confidential Information has notified the Party receiving the information of its confidential nature at the time such information was disclosed. The obligations of this article will remain valid for a period of two (2) years after the termination of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the term " Confidential   Information " shall not include: (i) information or data which as of the date of this Agreement is in the public domain or is otherwise generally available to the public; (ii) information or data that after the date of this Agreement is published or otherwise becomes part of the public domain or becomes generally available to the public other than through a breach of the terms of this Agreement; (iii) information or data which either Party can reasonably show was not acquired by such Party directly or indirectly from the other Party or anyone under an obligation of confidentiality to such other Party; (iv) information or data received by the either Party without restriction as to disclosure from a third Person without breach of any obligation to the other Party; (v) information which is or was independently developed by either Party without use of or reference to the Confidential Information of the other Party by Persons who had no access to such Confidential Information; and (vi) any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in the real property county records of any jurisdiction to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement as set forth in Section 11.7, any information filed by GEL or its affiliates to record a security interest or lien as set forth in Section 2.3, any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in the real property county records of any jurisdiction to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions of Section 8.6 of the Joint Marketing Agreement, or any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in   accordance with Section 9.1 and Section 19.5 ofthe Construction Contract.
 
11.3     Remedies .  In the event of breach of any of the terms of this Agreement by either Party hereto, the non-breaching Party will be entitled, where appropriate, to apply for and obtain injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction without limitation as to any other or future remedies which may be available.
 
 
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11.4     Survival  of  Obligations .    No  termination   of  this  Agreement,  for  whatever reason, shall relieve the Parties of or release the Parties from any indemnification  obligation set forth in this Agreement, or the obligations and provisions of Sections 4.4, 11.2, l.LQ.. or 11.10 of this Agreement, all of which shall survive such termination.
 
11.5   LIMITATION  OF LIABILITY .   NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY OR  ITS  AFFILIATES  SHALL HAVE  ANY  LIABILITY   TO  ANY  OTHER  PARTY   OR  ITS  AFFILIATES   FOR  ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY) LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT,  WHETHER  SUCH  LIABILITY  ARISES  IN  CONTRACT,  TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE  AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE.
 
11.6    Preservation of Liability . Neither this Agreement nor the exercise by any Party of (or the failure to so exercise) any right, power or remedy conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Party from liability hereunder.
 
11.7    Binding  Effect ;  Duration.   The  rights  and obligations set forth under this Agreement are obligations that run with the land so as to be forever binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, personal  representatives,  administrators,  successors and assigns.   Lazarus hereby agrees that GEL may file appropriate documentation in the real property county records of any jurisdiction as deemed necessary in the sole discretion of GEL to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions ofthis Agreement.
 
11.8    Notices . Any record, notice, demand or document which either Party is required or may desire to give hereunder shall be in writing and, except to the extent provided in the other provisions of this Agreement, given by messenger, facsimile or other electronic transmission, or United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to such Party at its address and telecopy number shown  below, or at such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision:
 
Ifto  GEL, to:
 
GEL Tex Marketing, LLC
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention:  Karen Pape
Telephone:  (713) 860-2500
Facsimile:   (713) 860-2640
E-Mail: karen.pape@genlp.com
 
If to Lazarus to:
 
Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300
Houston, Texas 77027
Attention:        Jonathan Carroll, Manager
Telephone:      (713) 850-0513
Facsimile:         (713) 850-0520
E-Mail:              JCarroll@LazarusEnergy.com
 
 
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11.9     CHOJCE OF LAW .  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.
 
11.10   Dispute   Resolution.    Any and all disputes between the Parties pursuant or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement.  This Agreement shall be subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement in all respects, and the terms and provisions of the Dispute Resolution Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference.
 
11.11   Amendment   and   Waiver .  This Agreement may not be amended (nor may any of its terms be waived) except by a written document signed by both Parties, stating that it is intended to amend this Agreement.
 
11.12   Severability.     If  any  provlSlon of  this  Agreement is  rendered or  declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by a judicial decision which shall have become final, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
 
11.13   Counterparts.   This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures of all parties hereto be contained on any one counterpart hereof.  Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
11.14   Successors   and   Assigns.   The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors or heirs, assigns and personal representatives.  Lazarus shall not in any way assign or otherwise transfer the obligations or the benefits of this Agreement without the prior written consent of GEL, and any attempt by Lazarus to do any of the foregoing without GEL's prior written consent shall be void and of no effect.  No such assignment or transfer with the consent of GEL will, however, operate to release Lazarus from any of its obligations and liabilities hereunder
 
11.15   Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections .  All titles or headings to articles, sections, subsections or other divisions of this Agreement are only for the convenience of the parties and shall not be construed to have any effect or meaning with respect to the other content of such articles, sections, subsections or other divisions, such other content being controlling as to the agreement between the Parties.
 
 
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11.16   Joint   Drafting.    Each Party acknowledges that it and its legal counsel have actively participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement and, as such, this Agreement will be construed as having been jointly drafted by the Parties.
 
11.17  Conflicting   Terms.    In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Construction Contract, the terms of the Construction Contract will control.
 
11.18  Acknowledgment of Exculpatory Provisions .  Each Party acknowledges that it (a) has had the benefit of independent legal counsel of its choosing in connection with the drafting and  negotiation of this Agreement, (b) has consulted (or had ample opportunity to consult) with its legal counsel with respect to this Agreement prior to the Effective Date, (c) has a duty to read-and has in fact read-this Agreement prior to executing it, (d) is fully informed and has notice of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement obligates such Party to assume liability for and indemnify the other Party and other Persons against certain liabilities-including, in some instances, liabilities that arise from the negligence of the other Party and/or those other Persons.   Each Party agrees that it will not contest the validity or enforceability of any exculpatory provision in this Agreement on the basis that it had no notice or knowledge of the provision or that the provision is not "conspicuous."
 
11.19 FINAL   AGREEMENT.      THIS AGREEMENT (a) REPLACES AND SUPERSEDES IN ITS ENTIRETY THE INTERIM AGREEMENT AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT THE INTERIM AGREEMENT SHALL NOT HAVE ANY FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, AND (B) REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN AND  MAY  NOT  BE  CONTRADICTED  BY  EVIDENCE  OF  PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
 
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.]
 
 
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IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF, the  parties  have  executed  this  Crude  Oil  Supply  and Throughput Services Agreement on the date first written above.
 




Signature Page for Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement
 
 
 

 

IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF, the  parties  have  executed  this  Crude  Oil  Supply and Throughput Services Agreement on the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
Signature Page for Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement

 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT   A
 
LEGAL   DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   FACILITY   SITE
 
Being a 56.309 ACRE TRACT situated George McPeters Survey, A-419, Wilson County, Texas, Said 56.309 ACRE TRACT  is that tract conveyed by Bill Klingemann,  Substitute Trustee, to Notre Dame Investors,  Inc. by Substitute Trustee's  Deed, in Volume 1159 at Page 609, dated May 06, 2003  and is  comprised  of all the tract called 51.30  acres  in  conveyance  from Leal Petroleum Corporation  to American  Petro Chemical Corporation  recorded  in Volume 842 at Page  705  and  all  of  a  tract  called  5.000 ·acres  in  conveyance  from  Notre  Dame  Refining Corporation to American Petro Chemical Corporation recorded in Volume 1049 at Page 651 of the Official Records of said county and being described by metes and bounds as follows:
 
BEGINNING at a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northwest corner of the tract herein described, same being the northwest corner of said 51.30 acre tract, northeast corner of a tract called Tract 2-B (41.245 acres) in Volume 685 at Page 101, lying in the south line of a tract called 7.654  acres in Volume 271 at Page 30, further  described  as lying in the south line of U.S. Highway  No.  87; said point bears N 76°  16'  00"  E, 1495.62 feet from a concrete right of way marker found;
 
THENCE with a segment of the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 7.654 acre tract, along a segmentofthe south line ofU.S. Highway 87, N 76° 16' 00" E, 140.71 feet (called N 76° 16' E, 140.0 feet-  basis of bearing) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a north corner of the tract herein described, same being the north corner of said 51.30 acre tract, northwest corner residue called 640 acres in Volume X at Page 136;
 
THENCE continuing with the north line of the tract herein described,  same being the common line of said 51.30 acre tract with that of said residue 640 acre tract and a tract called 1.666 acres in Volume 1030 at Page 772 as follows:

S 13° 27' 49" E, 208.63 feet (called S 13° 37' E, 207.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence corner, N 76° 26' 34" E, 368.79 feet (called N 76° 29' E, 368.4 feet) to a one-half inch diameter  rebar set with cap (B&A), N 76° 28' 28" E, 31.40 feet (called N 76° 49' E, 31.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence corner,
 
S 13° 55' 25" E, 238.17 feet (called S 14° 00' E, 238.0 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant corner of the tract herein described, same being the southwest corner of said residue 640 acre tract, N 76° 06° 05" E, at 386.77 feet  a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at, 388.52, (N 76° 16' E, 383.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a re-entrant  corner of he (the) tract herein described,  same being the southeast corner of said residue 640 acre tract and
 
N 13° 36' 45" W, at 1.84 feet a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at 446,92 feet (called N 13° 37' W, 447.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar found marking a north corner of the tract herein described, same being the northeast corner of said 1.666 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract, further described as lying in the south line ofU.S. Highway 87;
 
 
Exhibit A-1

 
 
THENCE continuing with the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 5.000 acre tract with that of said 7.654 acre tract, along a segment of the south line ofU.S. Highway 87 as follows:
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 275.15 feet (called N 76° 16' E, 275.3 feet) to a railroad spike found in asphalt driveway,
 
N 81° 58' 38" E, 100.50 feet (called N 82° 12' E, 99.2 feet) to a one-half diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),

N 76° 16' 00" E, 800.00 feet (called N 76° 14' E 800.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),

N 70° 33' 22" E, 100.50 feet (called N 70° 43' E, 101.2 feet) to a concrete right of way marker found broken, and

N 76° 16' 00" E, 464.56 feet (in total called No record call, and N 75° 02' 04" E 278 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the northeast comer of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract, being the northwest comer of a tract called 200.008 acres in Volume 691 at Page 41; said point bearsS  76° 16' 00" W, 278.37 feet from an iron pipe found;
 
THENCE with the east line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 5.000 acre tract and said 51.30 acre tract with that of said 200.008 acre tract as follows:
 
S 13° 43' 44" E, 783.78 feet (called S 15° 01' E, 783.5 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer marking the east most southeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said 5.000 acre tract, re-entrant comer of said 200.008 acre tract,
 
S 76° 16' 39" W, 277.87 feet (called S 75° 02' 04" W, 278 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the east line of said 51.30 acre tract and being a north comer of said 200.008 acre tract, and
 
S 13 24' 23" E, 261.29 feet (called S 13 24' E, 261.7 feet) to a four inch diameter iron pipe post fence comer marking the south most southeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said 51.30 acre tract and re-entrant comer of said 200.008 acre tract;
 
 
Exhibit A-2

 
 
THENCE with the south line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 200.008 acre tract as follows:
 
S 76° 08' 20" W, 768.00 feet (called S 76° 10' W, 768.0 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A), and S 76° 15' 20" W, 1619.78 feet (called S 76° 17' W, 1619.8 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a three way fence comer marking the southwest comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said 51.30 acre tract, lying in the north line of said 200.008 acre tract and being the southeast comer of said 41.245 acre tract;
 
THENCE with the west line of the tract herein described, same being the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 41.245 acre tract as follows:
 
N 13° 57' 38" W, 223.50 feet (called N 13° 55' W, 223.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),

N 13° 53' 37" W, 373.70 feet (called N 13° 51' W, 373.7 feet) to a fence post, and
 
N 13° 49' 38" W, 449.84 feet (called N 13° 47' W, 448.8 feet) to the PLACE OF BEGINNING and containing 56.309 ACRES OF LAND.
 
 
Exhibit A-3

 
 
EXHIBIT B
 
COST   OF   CRUDE   OIL   CALCULATION
 
The Crude Oil will be supplied to the refinery using the following formula pricing:
 
Price $USD =Daily  Flint Hills Posting (monthly avg.) +Platt's P-Plus (monthly avg.) +Freight Exp. + A+B
 
"A"= Deduct factor to be negotiated on a term basis with individual lease holders. The typical term is 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, or one year.
 
"B"=   GEL's  costs associated  with hedging Crude Oil and/or Nixon Product (as defined in the Joint Marketing Agreement).
 
Freight Expenses  will vary according to the distance to the lease from the Facility, among other factors.  The expenses will be averaged over all the delivered barrels in a calendar month.
 
 
Exhibit B-1

 

EXHIBIT C
 
INTERIM   AGREEMENT
 
See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit C-1

 
 
INTERIM TIIROUGHPUT SERVICES  AGREEMENT
 
This Interim  Throughput  Services  Agreement  ("Agreement") is made and entered  into this 11 day  of January,  2011 by and  between Davison  Petrolewn  Supply, LLC, a Delaware limited   liability   company   and  a  Genesis  Energy,   LLC  affiliate,   whose  address  is  2000 Farmerville Hwy., Ruston,  Louisiana  71270 ("DPS"),  and  Lazarus Energy  Holdings,  LLC, a Delaware  limited  liability  company,  whose  address  is  3200  Southwest  Freeway,  Suite  3300, Houston, Texas  77027 (11LAZARUS"), individually the "party" or collectively the "parties."
WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS,  DPS intends  to purchase all crude  oil currently   in   place in the Tanks   (as defined below) and potentially -purchase additional crude oil to   be stored in the Tanks (as defined below) (collectively, the "Product"); and

WHEREAS,   DPS   and LAZARUS  desire   to   enter  into  this   Agreement   to   set forth the terms and conditions under which LAZARUS  will   store such crude oil for DPS.

NOW, THEREFORE,  for   and   in consideration  of  the   mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION I
PROVISION OF STORAGE
 
LAZARUS  agrees to provide the facilities at its storage terminal located at The Lazarus Refinery,  N ixon,  Texas,  USA,  (''Terminal"), including  the  storage  tank(s)  described  herein ("Tanks"), for the storage  and handling of DPS's Product. as also described  herein, to the extent of the capacity of the Tanks, which Product shall be transported to the Terminal by tank truck, or pipeline  and transferred  into the Tanks and  transferred  from  the Tanks and transported  either from  the Tem'linal  by tank truck or pipeline or transported  to the Nixon Refinery by pipeline as the parties may agree.
 
SECTION   II
SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
A.    
Term   of   Agreement.
 
 
This  Agreement shall have a term of one (1) month commencing on the date hereof, and shall automatically  be renewed for successive one (I) month terms, unless terminated by the   parties   as   set   forth   in   this   Section   III   L.

B.     
Tanks .
 
 
Throughput   Services  shall  be  made  available  to  DPS  through  the  utilization  of  the following Tanks:

 
1

 
 
Tank   Number   Approximate   Capacity   Product
51   10,000 Bbls   Crude
53   55,000   Bbls   Crude
54   55,000   Bbls   Crude
 
 
DPS  shall not   substitute the "Product"   as specified above  without the prior written consent   of LAZARUS.  Tanks as referred to   herein includes   the   singular and plural.
 
C.    
Terminal   Operating   Hours.
 
 
LAZARUS shall   ensure   that   the   Terminal   is   available   for   Product   transfers   to/from the Tanks,     as   applicable   for   truck.   or   pipeline   transfers,   during     the   following   Operating Hours:
 
TERMINAL agrees     to   receive DPS's  Product from     and/or     redeliver DPS's  Product twenty-four (24)   hours a day,   seven (7) days   a week.
 
D.    
Services   and   Rates.
 
(1)   
Tank Throughput Fee . DPS shall pay to LAZARUS for the use of the Tanks at the following monthly rate: $.50 per shell barrel (the "Tank Throughput Fee"). The Tank Throughput Fee shall be payable by DPS to LAZARUS in advance on or before the fifth (5th) day of each calendar month for which such Tank Throughput Fee is due; provided, however, that the Tank Throughput Fee due for the calendar month in which this Agreement commences shall be pro rated from the date of this Agreement and shall be payable upon execution of this Agreement.
 
(2)   
Tanks   or   Pipeline   Cleaning . DPS   acknowledges that,   at   the commencement of   the term  hereof,  the Tanks  and pipeline  system are acceptable for   its   use. Upon termination   of this Agreement,   DPS   shall   remove   its Product   from   the Tanks and pipeline   system  and will return   the Tanks to the same condition as received.
 
(3)   
Holdover . Unless this Agreement is superseded by a new agreement with respect to the subject matter thereof, pursuant to Section III L, in the event that any Product remains in the Tanks beyond the termination of this Agreement, DPS shall remain obligated to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. IN THE EVENT THAT LAZARUS INCURS ANY CHARGES OR LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW, AS A RESULT OF DPS'S PRODUCT REMAINING IN THE TANKS AND ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF LAZARUS, LAZARUS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY DPS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL SUCH CHARGES OR LIABILITY.

 
2

 
 
(4)   
Contracted   Seryices : For any service or ftmction not specifically  provided for in this Agreement,  which LAZARUS may   request and DPS agrees to engage a third party   to provide, LAZARUS shaJl   pay   for   such services.

SECTION III
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
 
A.
Quality and Quantity. DPS acknowledges and agrees that it is familiar in all respects with LAZARUS's pipeline systems, and tank truck facilities to be provided under this Agreement. At their sole discretion, OPS shaH have a representative inspect and accept the Tanks and other fu.cilities as suitable in all respects for the Product and for DPS's needs before the initial receipt of Product by the Terminal. If DPS fails to do so, the Tanks and other facilities shall be deemed suitable in all respects for the Product and for DPS's n:eeds. There will be no fees for mixing, blending and/or circulating Product(s) in the on-premises facilities. The degree of success, if any, from Tenninal's performance of such operations is dependent upon the particular characteristics of the Product(s) involved and is beyond the control of DPS. Unless otherwise specified in Section II, all inbound and outbound quantities of Product shall be detennined by gauging of TerminaJ>s/LAZARUS's Tanks or by Terminal's proven meters (if available). Tanks gauging shall be conducted by an independent inspector when requested, appointed by and prud for by DPS. If DPS fails to provide such inspector, LAZARUS's quantity determinations shall be conclusively presumed to be correct. In all cases, all quantity determinations shall be conclusively preswned to be correct after ninety (90) days from the date of measurement, reading, or gauging unless within such ninety (90) day period DPS objects to the quantity determination by notifying LAZARUS in writing.
 
 
B.
Title  and  Custody.  Title  to  the  Product stored,  transferred or  handled  hereunder  shall always remain with DPS.  LAZARUS shall be deemed  to have title of the Product only at the time  it  passes  the flange  connection  between  the Tanks to the LAZARUS  delivery line, into the Nixon Refinery.
 
 
C.
Cleanin. Removal and Disposal.
 
 
(1)
DPS agrees to use the Tank equipment and facilities of LAZARUSfferminal only for the storage of the Product specified in Section II of thls Agreement. LAZARUS shall be responsible for any damages, .including but not limited to all environmental liabilities arising out of any actions or omissions of LAZARUS related to storage of the Product. In any event, unless this Agreement is superseded by a new agreement with respect to the subject matter thereof, pursuant to Section III L, upon termination of this Agreement or any change in Product agreed by the parties, DPS shall remove and dispose of, at its expense, all residual material from LAZARUS's/Termioal's Tanks, equipment and/or facilities at DPS?s sole cost and expense
 
 
3

 
 
 
(2)
Any removal and disposal of Product, goods, material, or residue pursuant to Section III C(1) hereof shall (i) be in strict compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances, and (ii) be registered, logged, charted, manifested, or otherwise noted as being the sole and exclusive property of DPS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER INDEMNIFICATION CONTAINED HEREIN, DPS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY LAZARUS!fERMINALAND THEIR RESPECTIVE  PARENTS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL DAMAGEs: COSTSAND  EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) RESULTING FROM DPS'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION III C.
 
 D.    
Delivery   and Redelivery.

 
(1)
LAZARUS shall give DPS written documentation of the receipt and/or delivery of each shipment of Product, which notice shall specify (a) the name of the carrier, (b) the carrying vehicle or vessel, (c) the custody transfer point, (d) the type, grade, quantity and quality (including H2S content) of Product as required by Terminal, (e) the estimated time of arrival thereof and (f) any other pertinent infonnation, including without limitation any and all documentation required by law concerning the receipt, handling or storage of Product. This docwnentation shall be given for each twenty four (24) hours period as to trucks, and pipeline deliveries. The handling of trucks shall be in accordance with the rules, regulations and rates set forth in Section II of this Agreement. It is DPS's sole responsibility to arrange, coordinate and expedite all carrier movements. LAZARUS will cooperate in arranging, coordinating and expediting such movements, but any such cooperation shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions ofthis Section.
 
 
(2)
LAZARUS shall, under ordinary circumstances, deliver Product to or receive Product from (as the case may be) tank trucks, or pipeline deliveries in the order of arrival or receipt (as the case may be) at the Terminal, but LAZARUS shaJJ nevertheless be entitled to depart from such order for the purpose of complying with the regulations or directives of applicable govenunent authorities or for insuring the smooth working of the Terminal's operations or for any other purpose whatsoever that LAZARUS shall, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate.
 
 
(3)
Although every effort will be made to remove as much product and/or material as possible from the Tanks, ot tank trucks, LAZARUS is not obligated to squeegee out any of the foregoing, but will remove as much material as practicable using Terminal 's standard equipment and procedures. DPS agrees that only liquid material will be pumped through Terminal's system. Fwther, LAZARUS shall not be liable for any product and/or material remaining in the Tanks, and tank trucks.
 
 
4

 
 
 
(4)
LAZARUS's obligation to provide labor necessary to perform the services agreed upon herein is limited to furnishing personnel to perform in accordance with Terminal's established TenninaJ practices. Any additional costs that may arise due to labor disputes, jurisdictional or otherwise, regarding the control of the movement of material or handling of equipment or hoses between LAZARUS's Terminal facilities and any tank truck, is for LAZARUS's account, and DPS shall not be liable therefore. DPS will not perform any services aboard any vessel.
 
 
(5)
DPS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY, LAZARUS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) ALLEGED OR BROUGHT BY ANY CARRIER OR RECIPIENT OF DPS'S PRODUCT ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF DPS WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY, GRADE, PURITY, COMPOSITION OR ANY OTIIER CHARACTERISTIC(S) OF SUCH PRODUCT. LAZARUS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY, DPS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) ALLEGED OR BROUGHT BY ANY CARRIER OR RECIPIENT OF DPS'S PRODUCT ARISING OUT OF ANY ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS OF LAZARUS WITH RESPECT TO TilE QUALITY, GRADE, PURITY, COMPOSITION OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC(S) OF SUCH PRODUCT.
 
 E.     
Pollution .   In the event of a discharge or threat of discharge of Product or other pollutant or  hazardous  substance  from  a  DPS's  vessel  or  the  Terminal  upon  the land  or  water adjacent to the Terminal  while a DPS vessel is at or near the Terminal,  LAZARUS  and DPS  shall cooperate  and  promptly  take  such  steps  as are necessary  to  prevent further discharge  or threat,  and  to  minimize damage  resulting  from  and  to clean  up any  uch discharge, regardless  of fault.   The cost of such steps shall be recoverable  between DPS and LAZARUS  according  to their comparative fault.   Failing an agreement between the parties  with respect   to  such  comparative faul t  within  (90)  days  of  the  date  of  the discharge  or  threat  of  discharge,  the matter  shall  be  subject  to binding  arbitration  in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding  anything  in this Section to the contrary,  the provisions  of this Section shall  not affect,  as between  the  parties, any liability of either  party to third  parties for costs  or damages  other  than  clean  up  costs  expended  by  the  parties  pursuant  to  this Section, whether such be private or governmental parties.
 
 
5

 
 
F.     
Taxes, Assessments and Other Governmental   Charges.
 
(l)    
LAZARUS shall file any and all infonnation returns and rendition forms as may be required by any governmental authority with respect to the Product.  In addition to any other charges to be paid by DPS hereunder, DPS shall pay LAZARUS  for taxes, duties, import fees, assessments  or other charges (hereinafter collectively "Taxes") levied by any governmental body upon DPS's Product stored in Tanks or elsewhere on LAZARUS's premises and/or on the storing, handling, shipping, disposing, transportation or use thereof which LAZARUS may be required to pay or collect  DPS shall also pay for any additional or increased Taxes levied upon DPS by reason of LAZARUS's storage of: Product on, or use or occupancy of, LAZARUS's Tanksor premises or any building, structure or equipment thereon; provided, however, that DPS shall not pay any more than its proportionate share of such Taxes or increased or additional Taxes if such Tanks, premises, building, structure or equipment are used by DPS jointly with others. Such Taxes or increased or additional Taxes shall be paid by DPS upon receipt ofwritten notice thereoffrom LAZARUS.
 
(2)   
Should any new tax, fee or levy be imposed upon LAZARUS by any governmental body or agency because of LAZARUS's Terminal operations, or should LAZARUS be required by new governmental regulation to install additional equipment or to modify its facilities or standard handling procedures in order to continue to provide the services contemplated by this Agreement, then and in any such event, LAZARUS shaH be required to pay such new tax, fee, levy, equipment cost (including installation cost) or handling cost. In the event LAZARUS shall fail to pay such Taxes or increased or additional Taxes or such new taxes, equipment costs or handling costs as provided herein, then same may be paid by DPS, and the amount thereof shall be charged to LAZARUS by DPS and shall be payable with the storage or other charges next due after presentation of said invoice by DPS. LAZARUS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY DPS, ITS MANAGER AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSfDlARlES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ANY ANDALL EXPENSES AND LIABILITY (INCLUDING WITIIOUT LIMlTATlON FINES, PENALTIES AND REASONABLE ATIORNEYS' FEES) IN RESPECT TO THE COLLECTION, DfSBURSEMENT AND REPORTING OF ALL SUCH TAXES.
 
 
G.
Product Lien .   LAZARUS  shall  have, and DPS hereby grants to LAZARUS,  an express contractual  lien and security  interest upon all Products at any time stored, transferred or handled hereunder for all of the charges and amounts payable by DPS to LAZARUS hereunder.  Said contractual  lien and security interest may be foreclosed  by LAZARUS in accordance  with the provisions  of Unifonn  Commercial  Code of the State  of Texas in effect from time to time.  Such liens shall not be exclusive but shall be cumulative and in addition to all other legal and equitable liens, rights and remedies of LAZARUS. Notwithstanding  anything  to the contrary  contained  herein, the lien herein provided for shall   only  be  applicable   to  indebtedness   owed  to  LAZARUS   by  DPS   under  this Agreement.
 
 
 
6

 
 
H.    
Collectio n of Excise Taxes.
 
(1)   
DPS shall be solely responsible for collecting and disbursing any and all federal state and/or local excise taxes now or hereinafter enacted and payable in respec to any and all Product delivered hereunder, and DPS shall be solely responsible for reporting and/or filing any tax returns in connection with same.
 
(2)   
In   the event  that  LAZARUS  ever  becomes  liable  for  the federal  excise   tax   in connection with the handling of DPS's Product, LAZARUS shall have the right to retain  DPS's  Product  until such  time   that   DPS has   provided  to LAZARUS   an irrevocable letter of credit (with a bank reasonably satisfactory  to LAZARUS) or other sufficient collateral  reasonably  calculated to indemnify LAZARUS against any federal excise  taxes, fines and   penalties  that LAZARUS may be or become required to pay in connection with DPS's Product.
 
I.      
Insurance .

(l)   
Product Insurance: DPS hereby acknowledges tenns specified herein do not contemplate or include liability for loss of or damage to the Product or an allowance for Hability insurance covering the Product. LAZARUS agrees to secure and maintain in effect a contract of property insurance, to the full market value of all Products stored, transferred or handled hereunder, insuring against all risks of loss, damage or contamination of the Product, including, but not limited to, evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage, discoloration. contamination, damage, destruction or any other loss or damage, and to have DPS 's name inserted as an additional insured in said policies, and DPS shall be deemed to be co-insured, whether so named or not, and to secure a waiver of assignment and/or subrogation from the property underwriters in favor of DPS on account of any Product claims paid by such underwriters. Whether or not LAZARUS procures and maintains insurance as provided herein, LAZARUS shall be liable to and hold DPS, its agents and employees, its manager, and their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliates hannless from any and all claims, demands, losses, costs and expenses for Product loss, damage or contamination, of whatsoever kind and howsoever arising. In any claim or suit for Product loss, damage or contamination, it will be presumed that such insurance, if it had been procured and maintained, would have covered the occurrence, Joss, damage or contamination in question. AU deductibles under such property insurance policies shall be for the account of LAZARUS. LAZARUS shaJl provide to DPS satisfactory evidence that it has complied with the property insurance requirements of this Agreement prior to the delivery of any Product to the Terminal.
 
(2)   
Liability Insurance: LAZARUS shall secure and maintain in effect liability insurance covering their respective liabilities hereunder, including defense and indemnity obligations, with minimum limits of $5 million and including a waiver of subrogation in favor of the other party to the extent of the liabilities assumed by.   the   primary   insured   hereunder.     LAZARUS   shall   provide   to   DPS   satisfactory evidence of   compliance   with   their respective liability   insurance   requirements under   this Agreement.

 
7

 
 
J.     
Liability   and   Indemnity.
 
(1)   
LAZARUS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY DPS FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, SUITS, LIABILITY AND EXPENSE(OTHER THAN FOR PRODUCT LOSS, DAMAGE OR CONTAMINATION) CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR CONTRACTORS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. DPS SHALL DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY LAZARUS, ITS MANAGER, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, SUITS, LIABILITY AND EXPENSE CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM (I) GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF DPS, ITS E:MPLOYEES, AGENTS OR CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY CONTRACTORS TRANSPORTING PRODUCT TO OR FROM THE TERMINAL) IN THE PERFORMANCE OF TillS AGREEMENT, AND (II) LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRODUCT WHETHER FOR PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
 
(2)   
DPS shall not be liable for evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage, or discoloration of the Product stored, transferred or handled hereunder, stored in the Tank or while the Product is in the process of being received into, stored or redelivered out of the Tank to the extent that such evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration affects an amount of Product in excess of one percent (1%) of the total amount of Product in the Tanks (the "Loss Threshold"), and DPS shall not be liable for contam-ination, damage, destruction or any other loss or damage to such Product except when caused by DPS' failUre to usc reasonable care in the safekeeping and handling of the Product. DPS shall be liable for evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration of the Product to the extent that such evaporation, shrinkage, line loss, clingage or discoloration affects an amount of Product less than the Loss Threshold. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT IN THE EVENT OF ANY LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO DPS'S PRODUCT, DPS SHALL NEVER BE LIABLE FOR PUNlTJVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS REGARDLESS OF HOW OR BY WHOM SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE SHALL HAVE OCCURRED OR BEEN CAUSED.
 
(3)   
DPS shall execute in its name, pay for and furnish to LAZARUS/Terminal all information, documents, labels, placards, containers and other materials which may be required by statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations of OSHA, Departments of Transportation or Energy, or the Interstate Commerce Co ission or any other governmental body or agency having jurisdiction, relatmg to the describing, packaging, receiving, storing, handling, disposal or shipping of the Product (hereinafter collectively the "Regulations"), together with detailed written instructions as to their use and disposition, DPS FURTHER AGREES TO DEFEND, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY LAZARUS, ITS MANAGER, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ANY FINES, LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES) RESULTING FROM VIOLATION OF THE REGULATIONS RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF DPS OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES OR FROM ANY PROCEEDINGS IN WHICH SUCH A VIOLATION OF THE REGULATIONS RESULTING FROM TilE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF DPS OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES IS CHARGED EXCEPT WHEN DIRECTLY ARISING FROM LAZARUS'S FAlLURE TO REASONABLY FOLLOW THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS OFDPS.

 
8

 
 
(4)   
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY HEREIN PROVIDED, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY DPS OF ANYKIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHETHER ARlSING BY OPERATJON OF LAW OR OTHERWISE.
 
K.    
Force Majeure . DPS shall not be liable for any delay or nonperfonnance of its obligations under this Agreement when any of the foregoing is caused in whole or in part by any act of God or the public enemy or by labor troubles, strikes, lockouts, non availabil:jty of labor, riots, fires, storms, lightning, floods, hurricanes, washouts, tornadoes, explosions, breakdown or failure of or accident to the Tanks, pipelines, rna<:hinery or equipment, transportation embargoes or congestions, governmental embargoes or inte1ventLons, failure or delay of manufacturers or persons from whom DPS obtains equipment, materials or supplies to deliver the same or from any law, proclamation, regulation (including envirownental protection regulations) or order of any government, governmental agency or court having or claiming to have juriscliction over any part of the Terminal (as defined in Section I of this Agreement) or rights-of-way, cancell ation or withdrawal of permits by government, governmental agencies or any other cause beyond OPS's reasonable con1rol, whether such other can be of the class herein specifically provided for or not and whether the cause is or is not existing on the date of this Agreement In the event of destruction of or damage to LAZARUS's facilities, DPS shall not be required to furnish additional or alternate facilities. If any cause listed or referred to in this Section liT should result in DPS's delay or non performance of its obligations under this Agreement for a period of more than forty-five (45) days, then DPS shall have the right to cancel the Agreement by giving LAZARUS written notice of cancellation.   Upon cancellation pursuant to this Section HI,   DPS and LAZARUS  will  have  no future   obligations or  rights  under   the   Agreement other   than LAZARUS's obligation to deliver Product in its possession to DPS.

L.     
Termination . This Agreement  shall   terminate on the earlier  of   the occurrence of  any   of the   following:

(1)   
The parties  enter  into   an   agreement  with  respect  to  the subject  matter  hereof which expressly  superedes this Agreement, in accordance with the tenns of that certain Letter oflntent, dated December 28, 2011, between LAZARUS and DPS.
 
(2)   
Without prejudice to any other right or remedy,  the unexcused failure of either party to carry out any tenn or provision of this Agreement for a period of forty­ five (45) days after written notice specifying such failure has been given by the other  party,  shall  constitute   good  cause  for  immediate   termination  of  this Agreement by such other party.
 
(3)   
If use of LAZARUS's equipment and facilities for storage and/or handling of the Product is restrained or enjoined by judicial process or terminated by any governmental authority or terminated by right of eminent domain, DPS may, at its option and without liability to LAZARUS, terminate this Agreement upon forty five (45) days written notice to LAZARUS.
 
(4)   
DPS provides at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to LAZARUS that DPS desires to terminate this Agreement; provided, that all Tanks have been cleaned in accordance with this Agreement, and all deposits have been paid as set forth in this Agreement.
 
(5)   
LAZARUS provides at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to DPS that LAZARUS desires to terminate this Agreement, in which even DPS shall clean the Tanks in accordance with this Agreement by the end of the lease term.
 
M.   
Modification.   This  Agreement  shall  not  be  modified  or  changed  except  by written instrument executed by  a   duly authorized officer of each of the parties hereto.
 
 
N.
Notices. Aoy notice by either party hereto to 1he other shall be in writing and be deemed to have been Jl'IOperly given if delivered personally or mailed, postage prepaid, to said party by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at its address shown on the first page of this Agreement, unless and until another address shall have been specified in writing by said party.
 
O.    
Governing  Law .   THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL BE GOVERNED  BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.
 
 
9

 
 
 P.     
Sole   Agreement .   This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement between the parties pertaining  to the subject  matter hereof, the Produ<:t  and the facilities, activities,  operations  or services to be   provided by or on behalf of LAZARUS, and effective as of the commencement of the tenn   hereof, supersedes  and cancels   any and all   other oral and all   prior  written  agreements  between  or assumed  by the parties   or   either  of them with respect to the   foregoing matters or any party thereof.
 
Q.     
Assignment.   This  Agreement  may  not   be assigned  by either  party  without  the prior written  consent  of  the other  party,  which  consent  shall  not be   unreasonably  withheld. Either  party, without  the consent of the other party, may assign all   or a   part of its rights under this Agreement to its parent, subsidiary or related entity.   Subject to   the foregoing, this  Agreement  shall  inure  to  the  benefit  of  and   be   binding  upon  its  successors  and permitted  assigns  of the parties hereto.    In   the event of any assignment  by either party hereto  (whether  with  or  without the   consent  of  the non-assigning  party)   the   assigning party  shall  remain  permanently  liable  to  the other  party  for   all   obligations  contained herein regardless of whether such obligations were part   of or covered by the assignment.
 
R.     
Section and Paragraph Headings. The section and paragraph headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are in no way to be construed as part of this Agreement or as a limitation or enlargement of the scope or meaning of the particular sections or paragraphs to which they refer and shall not affect the interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
 
S.     
Severability .   If   any provisions  of   this Agreement shall be invalid  or   unenforceable to any extent,  the  remainder  of  this  Agreement  shall  not  be  affected  thereby  and  shall   be enforced to  the   greatest extent pennitted   by   the   law.
 

Signatures  appear on the following page.
 
 
10

 

IN WITNESS   WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Interim Thtoughput Services Agreement on the date first written above.
 



 
11

 
 
Amendment Number One
to
Interim   Throughput   Services Agreement
 
This Amendment Number One to Interim Throughput Services Agreement ("Amendment") is made and entered into this .11_ day of March, 2011, by and between GENESIS CRUDE OIL,LP, a Delaware limited partnership, whose address is 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, TX  77002., (''GCO" or "DPS") and LAZARUS ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is  3200  Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300,  Houston, Texas 77027 (" ' Lazarus").
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS,   GCO   and   Lazarus   have   mutually   agreed     to   change   and   amend   the   Interim Throughput   Services  Agreement made and entered into   by   them effective the   J   1 th   day of January,   2011,   as   follows, effective   January   11,2011:
 
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable   consideration,   receipt   of which is hereby acknowledged, the   parties agree as follows:
 
A.                    All references to   Davison   Petroleum   Supply, LLC   shall be replaced by Genesis Crude Oil, LP.
 
B.                      Section III.   G.   is hereby   replaced   in total by   the following:
 
G.           [Intentionally Left   Blank.]

REMAINING   TERMS :   All   other terms of the Agreement are unchanged and remain in   effect, absent subsequent written amendments as mutually   agreed upon.
 
IN   WITNESS   WHEREOF,   GCO   and   Lazarus   have caused this Amendment   to be executed   by their duly   authorized   officers   and   agents   as   of   the   date   first written   above.
 
 
 
 
12 
 

 

AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO
 TO
INTERIM THROUGHPUT SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
This Amendment Number Two to Interim Throughput Services Agreement (this "Amendment") is made and entered into this day of May 2011, by and between Genesis Crude Oil, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, whose address is 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002 ("GCO" or "DPS"), and Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77027 ("Lazarus") (GCO or DPS and Lazarus shall each be referred to occasionally hereinafter individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties") . Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Services Agreement (as defined below).
 
WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS,  GCO  and  Lazarus  entered  into  that  certain  Interim  Throughput Services Agreement,  dated January 11, 2011 (as amended, the "Services   Agreement" ); and
 
WHEREAS,  GCO and Lazarus wish to amend  certain portions  of the Services Agreement in accordance with Section III. M of that agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration ofthe foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements  herein  contained,  and intending  to be legally  bound hereby, GCO and Lazarus hereby agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
AMENDMENT TO SECTION II. D

Section  II.  D  of  the  Services  Agreement  is  hereby  amended  by  inserting  the following Subsection D(5) after the current Subsection D(4) as follows:
 
"(5) Truck Loading Fee. DPS shall pay LAZARUS for the service of loading the Product onto tank trucks at the rate of $45.00 per truckload (the "Truck Loading Fee"). The Truck LoadinFee shall be payable by DPS to LAZARUS in advance on or before the fifth (51 ) day of each calendar month for which such Truck Loading Fee is due; provided, however, that any Tank Throughput Fees paid to LAZARUS prior to the date of initial utilization of any Tanks by DPS (the "Initial Tank Use Date") shall be credited towards the payment of any Truck Loading Fees due until the Initial Tank Use Date."
 
 
 

 
 
ARTICLE II
 
REPRESENTATIONS
 
Each Party hereby represents to the other that (a)  it has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Amendment and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) the execution and delivery of this Amendment  by such party have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such party and (c) this Amendment has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance   with  its  terms,  except   that  such  enforceability   (i)  may  be  limited  by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and the discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be brought.
 
ARTICLE III
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
SECTION  6.1    Headings.     The  headings  contained  in this  Amendment  are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Amendment.
 
SECTION 6.2   Counterparts .   This Amendment  may be executed in one or more counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument,  it being understood  that each of the parties need not sign the same counterpart.
 
SECTION  6.3    Governing   Law.     This  Amendment  shall  be  governed  by and construed in accordance  with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
 
SECTION 6.4    No   Other   Effect   on   the   Services   Agreement.    Except as modified by this Amendment, all of the terms of the Services Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect.
 
SECTION  6.5   Inconsistency .    In the event of any inconsistency  between the terms  of this Amendment  and the Services  Agreement,  the Services  Agreement   shall govern.
 
[Signature Page Follow]
 
 
2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GCO and Lazarus have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers and agents as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GCO and Lazarus have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers and agents as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
4
 
EXHIBIT 10.2
 
 
CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING CONTRACT
 
by and between
 
LAZARUS ENERGY LLC,
 
a Delaware limited liability company
 
and
 
MILAM SERVICES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
Dated as of August 12, 2011
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
    1  
           
  1.1
Specific Defined Terms
    1  
  1.2
Other Capitalized Terms
    11  
  1.3
Exhibits and Schedules
    11  
  1.4
Amendment of Defined Instruments
    12  
  1.5
References and Titles
    12  
             
ARTICLE II CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
    12  
             
  2.1
Scope ofthe Services
    12  
  2.2
Permits, Licenses and Authorizations
    12  
  2.3
Safety
    12  
  2.4
Personnel
    13  
  2.5
Supervision of Contractor
    13  
  2.6
Standard ofPerformance
    13  
  2.7
Compliance With Laws
    14  
  2.8
Acquisition ofMaterials and Services
    14  
  2.9
Title and Risk of Loss
    14  
  2.1
Relationship of the Parties
    14  
  2.11
Contractor Responsibility
    14  
  2.12
Removal of Personnel
    14  
  2.13
Changes and Extra Work
    14  
             
ARTICLE III CONTRACTOR WARRANTIES
    15  
             
  3.1
Contractor Warranty
    15  
  3.2
Enforcement of Warranty
    15  
  3.3
Expiration of Contractor Warranty
    15  
  3.4
Allocation of Warranty Costs and Expenses
    15  
  3.5
Exclusions
    15  
             
ARTICLE IV CONTRACTOR FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
    16  
             
  4.1
Accounting
    16  
  4.2
Non-Fee Schedule Expenditures
    16  
  4.3
Audits and Examinations
    16  
 
 
i

 
 
ARTICLE V CONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
    16  
             
  5.1
Minimum Limits
    16  
  5.2
Certificates of Insurance
    16  
             
ARTICLE VI COMPLETION and ACCEPTANCE
    17  
             
  6.1
Notice of Completion
    17  
  6.2
Acceptance by Owner
    17  
             
ARTICLE VII COMPENSATION
    17  
             
  7.1
Contractor Fee
    17  
  7.2
Contractor Fee Constitutes an Obligation
    17  
             
ARTICLE VIII ADVANCEMENT OF FUNDS
    17  
             
  8.1
Amount of Funds Advanced
    17  
  8.2
Interest
    18  
  8.3
Repayment of Funds
    18  
  8.4
Application of Funds
    18  
  8.5
Optional Prepayment
    18  
  8.6
Mandatory Prepayment of Obligations
    18  
  8.7
Application of Insurance Proceeds
    18  
  8.8
Taxes
    19  
             
ARTICLE IX GRANT OF LIEN; SECURITY INTEREST
    19  
             
  9.1
Grant of Security Interests
    19  
  9.2
Release ofLiens; Financing Statements; Release
    20  
  9.3
Subordination Agreements
    20  
  9.4
All Obligations are Pari Passu
    20  
  9.5
Mechanic and Materialmen Liens
    20  
 
 
ii

 
 
ARTICLE X OWNER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    21  
             
  10.1
Formation and Existence
    21  
  10.2
Name; Executive Offices
    21  
  10.3
Authorization; Non-Contravention
    21  
  10.5
Omissions and Misstatements
    22  
  10.6
Joint Venture
    22  
  10.7
Commissions; Expenses
    22  
  10.8
Tax Returns; Taxes
    22  
  10.9
Litigation; Governmental Proceedings
    22  
  10.10
Ownership of Facility; Interests
    22  
  10.11
Legal Description of the Facility Site
    23  
  10.12
Environmental Matters
    23  
  10.13
OSHA
    24  
  10.14
Permits and Licenses
    25  
  10.15
Operation ofthe  Facility
    25  
  10.16
Equipment
    25  
  10.17
Unpaid Bills
    26  
  10.18
Taxpayer Identification
    26  
  10.19
Insurance
    26  
  10.20
Restriction on Liens
    26  
  10.21
Deposit Accounts
    26  
  10.22
Labor Matters
    26  
  10.23
No Default
    26  
  10.24
Financial Statements
    26  
             
ARTICLE XI FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND CERTAIN NOTICES TO CONTRACTOR
    27  
             
  11.1
Financial Reporting
    27  
  11.2
Spending Report
    27  
  11.3
Notices of Default
    27  
  11.4
Additional Information
    27  
             
ARTICLE XII AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
    28  
             
  12.1
Preservation ofExistence and Good Standing
    28  
  12.2
Operations ofthe Facility
    28  
  12.3
Compliance with Law
    28  
  12.4
Records
    29  
  12.5
Litigation
    29  
  12.6
Damage to Facility
    29  
  12.7
Solvency
    30  
  12.8
Insurance
    30  
  12.9
Access to Books and Records; Inspections; Consultants
    31  
  12.10
Creditors
    31  
  12.11
Bonds
    32  
  12.12
Payment ofTaxes, Etc
    32  
  12.13
Equipment.
    32  
 
 
iii

 
 
ARTICLE XIII NEGATIVE COVENANTS
    32  
             
  13.1
Debt
    32  
  13.2
Accounts
    32  
  13.3
Ownership and Business Operations
    33  
  13.4
Liens and Encumbrances
    33  
  13.5
Affiliate Transactions
    33  
  13.6
Deposit Accounts
    33  
             
ARTICLE XIV FURTHER RIGHTS OF CONTRACTOR
    34  
             
  14.1
Further Assurances; Delivery of Additional Documents
    34  
  14.2
Payments by Contractor
    34  
  14.3
Possession and Preservation of the Collateral
    34  
             
ARTICLE XV INDEMNITIES
    35  
             
  15.1
Contractor Indemnity
    35  
  15.2
Owner Indemnity--General
    35  
  15.3
Owner Indemnity--Environmental
    37  
  15.4
Acknowledgement of Owner Indemnity
    37  
  15.5
Contractor Third Party Liability
    37  
  15.6
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
    37  
  15.7
Survival of Indemnities
    38  
             
ARTICLE XVI CLOSING; CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
    38  
             
  16.1
Closing
    38  
  16.2
Owner Conditions to Closing
    38  
  16.3
Contractor Conditions to Closing
    39  
  16.4
Continuation of Advances
    40  
 
 
iv

 
 
ARTICLE XVII CONTRACTOR EVENT OF DEFAULT; OWNER REMEDIES
    41  
             
  17.1
Contractor Events of Default
    41  
  17.2
Owner Remedies
    41  
  17.3
Preservation of Rights and Liabilities
    41  
  17.4
Entitlement of Contractor upon Termination
    41  
  17.5
Force Majeure
    41  
             
ARTICLE XVIII OWNER EVENT OF DEFAULT; CONTRACTOR REMEDIES
    42  
             
  18.1
Owner Events of Default
    42  
  18.2
Contractor Remedies Generally
    43  
  18.3
Set-Off Rights
    44  
  18.4
All Rights and Remedies are Cumulative
    44  
  18.5
Contractor Termination Right
    44  
             
ARTICLE XIX GENERAL PROVISIONS
    44  
             
  19.1
Further Assurances
    44  
  19.2
Form of Documents
    44  
  19.3
Confidentiality; Permitted Disclosures
    45  
  19.4
Preservation of Liability
    46  
  19.5
Binding Effect; Duration
    46  
  19.6
Notices
    46  
  19.7
Choice of Law
    47  
  19.8
Dispute Resolution
    47  
  19.9
Amendment and Waiver
    47  
  19.1
Severability
    47  
  19.11
Survival of Agreements
    47  
  19.12
Counterparts
    47  
  19.13
Successors and Assigns
    47  
  19.14
Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections
    47  
  19.1 5
Interest
    48  
  19.16
Knowledge
    48  
  19.17
Joint Drafting
    48  
  19.18
This Contract Controls if Terms Conflict
    48  
  19.19
Acknowledgment ofExculpatory Provisions
    48  
 
 
v

 
 
List   of   Exhibits:

Exhibit A
Additional Equipment
Exhibit B
Civil Survey Plan
Exhibit C
Clarification and Description of Services
Exhibit D
Design and Construction Specifications
Exhibit E
List of Equity Holders
Exhibit F
Form of Subordination Agreement
Exhibit G
Legal Description of the Facility Site
Exhibit H
Insurance Schedule
Exhibit I
Requirements for Delivery of Owner Financial Statements
Exhibit J
Contractor Forbearance Agreement
 
 
vi

 
 
List of Disclosure Schedules:
 
Schedule 10.3
Post-Closing Governmental Consents
Schedule 10.7
Commissions; Expenses
Schedule 10.9
Litigation; Governmental Proceedings
Schedule 10.10
Ownership of Facility
Schedule 10.12
Environmental Matters
Schedule 10.13
OSHA Compliance, Reports and Investigations
Schedule 10.14
Permits and Licenses
Schedule 10.15
Operation of the Facility
Schedule 10.16
Equipment Liens and Encumbrances
Schedule 10.17
Unpaid Bills
Schedule 10.21
Deposit Accounts
Schedule 12.11
Bonds
Schedule 13.1
Debt
Schedule 13.4
Liens
 
 
vii

 
 
CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING CONTRACT
 
THIS CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING CONTRACT (this " Contract ") is made and entered into effective the 12 th day of August 2011, by and between Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (" Owner "), and Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (" Contractor "). Contractor and Owner may herein be referred to individually as a " Party " or collectively as the " Parties. "

 
RECITALS:
 
WHEREAS, Owner desires to engage Contractor to provide the Services in connection with the construction and installation of certain equipment (the " Project ") at the refinery and related terminal facilities, lands and equipment related thereto owned or operated by Owner located in Nixon, Texas (the " Facility ");
 
WHEREAS, Contractor is willing to provide the Services on a turnkey basis in accordance with the terms set forth herein;
 
WHEREAS, Owner has requested that Contractor provide certain funds to finance all costs and expenses incurred by Contractor and any Subcontractors in connection with the Project, and Contractor is willing to provide such funds pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Contract and the other Contract Documents;
 
WHEREAS, to secure all of Owner's Obligations under the Contract Documents, Owner will grant to Contractor a first-priority security interest in the Collateral; and
 
WHEREAS, Owner will receive substantial benefits from the execution, delivery and performance of the Obligations set forth herein, and is, therefore, willing to enter into this Contract.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1           Specific   Defined   Terms.     As  used  herein,  the  following  terms  shall  have  the following meanings and, as the context requires, the singular shall include the plural:
 
"Accounts" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(a) hereof.
 
"Action" has the meaning set forth in Section   10.9.
 
" Additional   Equipment " means those items of equipment set forth on  Exhibit   A.
 
"Advances" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(a).
 
 
1

 
 
"Affiliate"  means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified, and in addition, with respect to the Owner, (a) any director or officer of such Person or of any Person referred to above or (b) if any Person in above is an individual, any member of the immediate family (including parents, spouse and children) of such individual and any trust whose principal beneficiary is such individual or one or more members of such immediate family and any Person who is controlled by any such member or trust.  As used in this definition, " control " (including, with its correlative meanings, " controlled   by " and " under   common   control   with" ) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of Equity Interests, by contract or otherwise); provided that, in any event, (i)   any Person who owns directly or indirectly ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body of a corporation or ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests of any other Person (other than as a limited partner of such other Person) will be deemed to control such corporation or other Person, and (ii)   any subsidiary of any Owner shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Owner.
 
" Applicable Laws " means all federal, state or local laws, ordinances, judgments, acts, statutes, decrees, injunctions, writes, orders, rules, regulations, permits or interpretations (other than any interpretation which by its terms is not binding) of any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the subject matter, as in effect from time to time, pertaining to the performance of the Services.
 
" Applicable Lien Laws " has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5 .
 
" Applicable Permits " means all waivers, franchises, exemptions, variances, permits, clearances, registrations, authorizations, consents, decrees, approvals, licenses, filings, privileges, exemptions from, rulings, certifications, or orders from or required to be obtained or maintained by any Governmental Authority in connection with the performance of the Services.
 
" Authorized Officer " means the manager, chief executive officer, president, any vice president or the treasurer of Owner or any other officer duly authorized to contractually bind Owner specified as such to Contractor in writing by any of the aforementioned officers.
 
" Base Construction Payment " has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3 .
 
" Business Day " means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be in Texas a legal holiday, or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close in any city situated in Texas.
 
" Capital Leases " means, in respect of any Person, all leases which shall have been, or should have been, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases on the balance sheet of the Person liable (whether contingent or otherwise) for the payment of rent thereunder,
 
" CERCLA " means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
 
 
2

 
 
" Change of Control " means the occurrence of any event pursuant to which the Equity Holders cease to own 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests in Owner or any Person (or group 2 of Persons acting in concert) otherwise acquires control of Owner. For purposes of this definition, "control" means, with respect to any Person:
 
(a)    the power (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) to (i) cast, or control the casting of, more than 51% of votes eligible to be cast at a duly called general meeting of that Person's stockholders, members, partners or governing body, as applicable, (ii) appoint or remove a majority of the members of the governing body of that Person or (iii) give directions with respect to the operating and financial policies of that Person with which the directors, managers and officers of that Person are obliged to comply; or
 
(b)    beneficially owning or holding more than 51% of the issued Equity Interests of that Person (excluding from the denominator of that calculation any Equity Interests that carry no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital);
 
and "acting in concert" means, a group of Persons who, pursuant to an agreement or understanding (whether formal or informal), actively co-operate, through the acquisition of shares in another Person by any of them, either directly or indirectly, to obtain or consolidate control over such other Person.
 
" Charter Documents " means, as applicable for any Person that is not an individual, the articles or certificate of incorporation or formation, certificate of limited partnership, regulations, bylaws, partnership or limited partnership agreement, and all similar documents related to the formation and governance of that Person, together with all amendments to any of them.
 
" Civil Survey Plan " means the details regarding the surveying and placement of the Project, as set forth on Exhibit B .
 
" Claims " has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 .
 
" Clarification and Description of Services " means a list of all Services to be performed by Contractor or its designated Subcontractors pursuant to this Contract as set forth on Exhibit C .
 
" Closing " has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1 .
 
" Closing Date " has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1 .
 
" Code " means the Uniform Commercial Code presently in effect in the State of Texas or other applicable jurisdiction.
 
" Collateral " means all property, including without limitation cash or other proceeds, in which Contractor shall have a security interest pursuant to Section 9.1(a) of this Contract.
 
" Construction Payment " has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3 .
 
 
3

 
 
" Contract " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Contract.
 
" Contract Documents " means this Contract and the other Project Documents, the Dispute Resolution Agreement, the Supply Agreement, the Joint Marketing Agreement and the Security Documents, and all other agreements, certificates, documents, instruments and writings at any time delivered in connection herewith or therewith (exclusive of term sheets, commitment letters, correspondence and similar documents used in the negotiation hereof, except to the extent the same contain information about Owner or its Affiliates, properties, business or prospects).
 
" Contract Rate " means a rate per annum equal to six percent (6%).
 
" Contract Time " means the time necessary for Contractor to perform the Services as required in the Project Documents.
 
" Contractor " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Contract.
 
" Contractor Event of Default " has the meaning set forth in Section 17.1 .
 
" Contractor Group " has the meaning set forth in Section 15.2 .
 
" Contractor Permits " has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) .
 
" Contractor Termination " has the meaning set forth in Section 17.2 .
 
" Cost of Crude Oil " means the price paid to Contractor or its Affiliates by Owner or its Affiliates for Crude Oil pursuant to the Supply Agreement.
 
" Crude Oil " means all crude oil, condensate and other liquid hydrocarbon substances.
 
" Debtor Relief Laws " means the Bankruptcy Code and all other applicable liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, insolvency, rearrangement, moratorium, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws affecting the rights of creditors generally from time to time in effect.
 
" Default " means the occurrence of any event which, with the passing of time or the giving of notice or both, will become an Owner Event of Default.
 
" Design and Construction Specifications " means those certain operating parameters for the Additional Equipment necessary for the proper operation of the Facility as mutually agreed upon by Owner and Contractor as set forth on Exhibit D .
 
 
4

 
 
" Dispute Resolution Agreement " means that certain Dispute Resolution Agreement, dated of even date herewith, by and between Owner, Contractor and certain of their respective Affiliates, and any amendments, modifications and restatements thereof
 
" Disqualified Capital Stock " means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is convertible into or exchangeable for Debt or redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock) at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part.
 
" Emergency " means a sudden or unexpected event that causes, or risks causing, damage to the Project, other property, or injury to persons, of such a nature that responding to the event cannot, in the discretion of Contractor, await any consultation with Owner.
 
" Employee Plan " means an employee pension benefit plan covered by Title IV of ERISA.
 
" Environment " or " Environmental " means soil, surface waters, groundwater, land, stream sediments, surface or subsurface strata, ambient air, indoor air or indoor air quality, any building or improvement (including any material or substance used therein) and any environmental medium.
 
" Environmental and Safety Regulations " means all applicable foreign, federal, state or local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, orders and regulations with respect to any environmental, pollution, toxic or hazardous waste or health and safety law, including, without limitation, those promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, OSHA, the Department of the Interior, or any other foreign, federal or state regulatory agency, or any of their predecessor or successor agencies.
 
" Environmental Laws " shall mean any and all Governmental Requirements and Environmental and Safety Regulations pertaining to health or the Environment in effect in any and all jurisdictions in which Owner is conducting or at any time has conducted business, or where any real property of Owner is located, including without limitation, the OPA, CERCLA, RCRA, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and other environmental conservation or protection laws. The term "oil" shall have the meaning specified in OPA, the terms "hazardous substance" and "release" (or "threatened release") have the meanings specified in CERCLA, and the terms "solid waste" and "disposal" (or "disposed") have the meanings specified in RCRA; provided , however , that (a) in the event either OPA, CERCLA or RCRA is amended so as to broaden the meaning of any term defined thereby, such broader meaning shall apply subsequent to the effective date of such amendment and (b) to the extent the laws of the state in which any real property of Owner is located establish a meaning for "oil," "hazardous substance," "release," "solid waste" or "disposal" which is broader than that specified in either OPA, CERCLA or RCRA, such broader meaning shall apply.
 
 
5

 
 
" Equipment " has the meaning set forth in the Code and includes all surface or subsurface machinery, goods, equipment, fixtures, inventory, facilities, supplies or other personal or moveable property of whatsoever kind or nature (excluding property rented by Owner) now owned or hereafter acquired by Owner which are now or hereafter located on or under any of the lands attributable to the Facility which are used for the treatment, processing, storage or transportation of Hydrocarbons and whether or not attributable to the Facility (together with all accessions, additions and attachments to any thereof), including, without limitation, all, pipelines, chemicals, solutions, water systems, power plants, poles, lines, transformers, starters and controllers, machine shops, tools, storage yards and equipment stored therein, telegraph, telephone and other communication systems, loading docks, loading racks, shipping facilities, valves, meters, motors, pumps, tankage, regulators, furniture, fixtures, automotive equipment, forklifts, storage and handling equipment, together with all additions and accessions thereto, all replacements and all accessories and parts therefor, all manuals, blueprints, documentation and processes, warranties and records in connection therewith, all rights against suppliers, warrantors, manufacturers, sellers or others in connection therewith, and together with all substitutes for any of the foregoing.
 
" Equity Holders " means, collectively, each holder of the Equity Interests as set forth on Exhibit E ,
 
" Equity Interests " means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any, warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest.
 
" ERISA " means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and related rules and regulations.

 
" Facility " has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Contract.
 
" Funding Amount Limit " has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 .
 
" GAAP " means generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Any undefined accounting term herein shall be interpreted in accordance with GAAP.
 
" GEL " means GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
 
" General Intangibles " has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(c) hereof.
 
" Governmental Authority " means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, local or tribal, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government over Owner, Contractor or their respective Affiliates.
 
" Governmental Requirements " means any law, statute, code, ordinance, order, determination, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization or other directive or requirement, whether now or hereinafter in effect, including, without limitation, Environmental Laws, energy regulations and occupational, safety and health standards or controls, of any Governmental Authority.
 
 
6

 
 
" Gross Profit " means, for a calendar month, the total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Product minus the Cost of Crude Oil,
 
" Hazardous Materials " means and include (a) all elements or compounds that are contained in the list of hazardous substances adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the list of toxic pollutants designated by the United States Congress or the Environmental Protection Agency or under any Hazardous Substance Laws (as hereinafter defined), and (b) any "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance," "toxic substance," "regulated substance," "pollutant" or "contaminant" as defined under any Hazardous Substance Laws.
 
" Hazardous Substance Laws " means CERCLA, RCRA, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 2001 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., any so-called federal, state or local "superfund" or "superlien" statute, and any other applicable federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or ordinance relating to public or workplace health or safety, protection of the Environment, Releases of Hazardous Materials, or injury to persons relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials.
 
" Highest Lawful Rate " means, with respect to Contractor, the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received on the Advances or on other Obligations under laws applicable to Contractor which are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than applicable laws allow as of the date hereof.
 
" Hydrocarbons " means collectively, Crude Oil, gas, casinghead gas drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate and all other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons and related minerals and all products therefrom, in each case whether in a natural or a processed state.
 
" Implementation Documents " has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a) .
 
" Initial Operation Date " means the date upon which the Facility first begins to process Crude Oil pursuant to the Joint Marketing Agreement.
 
" Initial Payment Date " has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3 .
 
" Insurance Schedule " has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .
 
" Joint Marketing Agreement " means that certain Joint Marketing Agreement, dated of even date herewith, by and between GEL and Owner, and any amendments, modifications and restatements thereof.
 
" Law " means any current or future law, statute, code, ordinance, order, determination, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization or other directive or requirement enacted, promulgated, adopted or imposed by any Governmental Authority.
 
 
7

 
 
" Legal Description of the Facility Site " means a legal description of the Site as set forth on the attached Exhibit G .
 
" Liability " or " Liabilities " means any and all liabilities and obligations of every kind and description whatsoever, whether such liabilities or obligations are known or unknown, disclosed or undisclosed, matured or unmatured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise.
 
" Lien " means any interest in property (real or personal) securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Facility or its assets, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and whether such obligation or claim is fixed or contingent, and including but not limited to (a) the lien or security interest arising from a mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes or (b) receivables or cash arising from the sale of Crude Oil or other Hydrocarbons, including the Nixon Product. The term " Lien " shall include easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations. For the purposes of this Contract, Owner shall be deemed to be the owner of any property which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, or leases under a financing lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to such property has been retained by or vested in some other Person in a transaction intended to create a financing.
 
" Material Adverse Effect " means any change, effect, event, occurrence, condition or other circumstance which individually or in the aggregate, with other changes, effects, events, conditions or other circumstances that adversely affect the value of the business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Owner or the Facility, or adversely affects (a) the ability of Owner to perform any of its obligations under any Contract Document or (b) the validity or enforceability of any Contract Document or (c) the rights and remedies of or benefits available to Contractor or its Affiliates under any Contract Document.
 
" Nixon Product " means the Crude Oil and other Hydrocarbons refined and processed by Owner pursuant to the Supply Agreement.
 
" Obligations " means and include all funds advanced pursuant to Section 8.L the Contractor Fee and any debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants, duties and amounts owing or to be owing by Owner or any Affiliate of Owner to Contractor or any Affiliate of Contractor of any kind or nature, present or future, whether or not evidenced by any note, guaranty, letter of credit or other instrument, arising directly or indirectly, under this Contract, the Security Documents, or under any Contract Documents, and all renewals, extensions and/or rearrangements of any of the foregoing. The term includes, but is not limited to, all interest, reasonable charges, expenses, consultants' and attorneys' fees and any other sum chargeable to Owner under this Contract, the Security Documents, or any of the Contract Documents.
 
" Obligor " means Owner and any other Person who is or becomes an obligor with respect to any portion of the Obligations.
 
"OPA" means the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended.
 
" Order " means any order, judgment, injunction, award, decree, ruling, charge or writ of any Governmental Authority.
 
 
8

 
 
" Ordinaly Course of Business " means the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity and frequency).
 
"OSHA" means the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
 
" Other Taxes " has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8(b) .
 
" Owner " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Contract.
 
" Owner Event of Default " has the meaning set forth in Section 18.1 .
 
" Owner Group " has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1 .
 
" Party " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Contract.
 
" Payment Date " means the tenth (10 th ) day of each calendar month, commencing on the Initial Payment Date.
 
" Permit " means any permit, license, approval and similar authorization given by or required from any Governmental Authority or other Person.
 
" Permitted Encumbrances " means (i) Liens for property taxes and assessments or governmental charges or levies, provided that payment thereof is not at the time required hereunder and (ii) Liens subordinated pursuant to a Subordination Agreement.
 
" Person " means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or unincorporated organization, joint stock company or other similar organization, government or any political subdivision thereof, a court, or any other legal entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.
 
" Personnel " means those Persons hired by Contractor as consultants or Subcontractors to perform the Services.
 
" Personal Property " means all personal property of every kind, whether now owned or later acquired, including all goods (including Equipment), documents, accounts (including accounts receivable), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), money, deposit accounts, letters of credit and letter-of-credit rights (without regard to whether the letter of credit is evidenced by a writing), documents, securities and all other investment property, supporting obligations, any other contract rights or rights to the payment of money, insurance claims and proceeds, all general intangibles and all permits, licenses, books and records related to the Facility or the business of Owner as it relates to the Facility in any way whatsoever.
 
 
9

 
 
" Post-Closing Government Consents " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(d) .
 
" Project " has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Contract.
 
" Project Documents " means this Contract, the Clarification and Description of Services, the Civil Survey Plan, the Legal Description of the Facility Site, and the Insurance Schedule, each of which shall collectively be considered as part of this Contract for all purposes.
 
" Prudent Operator " means a reasonable, prudent operator experienced in the operation of Crude Oil refineries and who is, at the time of any specific determination, situated similarly to Owner in material respects.
 
"RCRA" means the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended.
 
" Related Parties " means, with respect to any Person, each of its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors (including attorneys, accountants and other consultants and advisors) of that Person and its Affiliates.
 
" Related Rights " means all chattel papers, electronic chattel papers, payment intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, supporting obligations, documents and instruments relating to the Accounts or the General Intangibles and all rights now or hereafter existing in and to all Security Documents, leases, and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to any Accounts or General Intangibles or any such chattel papers, electronic chattel papers, payment intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, documents and instruments.
 
" Release " means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, disposing, or dumping of a Hazardous Material into the Environment (including the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers and other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Material), and any condition that results in the exposure of a Person to a Hazardous Material.
 
" Remedial Work " has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3(c) .
 
" Security Documents " means this Contract, each Subordination Agreement, financing statements and any other agreement or writing evidencing any assignment, lien, encumbrance or security interest executed in favor of Contractor or any of its Affiliates in the Facility and any other documents relevant thereto.
 
" Services " means those actions agreed to by Contractor to activate and make operable the Facility in accordance with the Project Documents.
 
 
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" Site " means the real property upon which the Facility is situated.
 
" Solvent " means that, as of the date on which a Person's solvency is to be measured: (a) the fair saleable value of its assets is in excess of the total amount of its liabilities (including income tax liabilities) as they become absolute and matured, and (b) it is able to meet its debts as they mature.
 
" Subcontractor " means any subcontractor (regardless of tier), vendor, materialman or supplier of Contractor that is expected to supply equipment, materials, supplies and/or labor or other services in connection with the performance of the Services.
 
" Subordination Agreement " means an intercreditor and subordination agreement substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit F .
 
" Subsidiary " means, with respect to any Person that is not a natural person, each other Person in which that Person owns, directly or indirectly, at least 20% of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors, members or general partners.
 
" Supply Agreement " means that certain Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement, dated of even date herewith, by and between GEL and Owner, and any amendments, modifications and restatements thereof, pursuant to which the Nixon Product will be refined and processed by Owner on the terms and conditions set forth therein.
 
" Taxes " means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all similar liabilities; in the case of Contractor, however, the term " Taxes " excludes (a) taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings and all similar liabilities imposed on its income, and franchise or similar taxes imposed on it, by any jurisdiction (or political subdivision thereof) where Contractor is organized or conducts business, and (b) taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings and all similar liabilities that would not have been imposed but for a connection (other than a connection arising solely as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Contract) between Contractor and the jurisdiction imposing such tax, levy, impost, deduction, charge, withholding or similar liability.
 
" Taxing Authorities " means any and all federal, state, local or tribal governmental or quasi-governmental agencies that have the power to impose taxes upon Owner or the Facility.
 
" Threat of Release " means a substantial likelihood of a Release that requires action to prevent or mitigate damage or injury to health, safety or the Environment that might result from such Release.
 
1.2    Other Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in Section 1.1 shall have the meanings given them elsewhere in this Contract.
 
1.3    Exhibits and Schedules . All exhibits and schedules attached to this Contract are part of this Contract for all purposes.
 
 
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1.4    Amendment of Defined Instruments . Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise provided herein, the terms defined in this Contract which refer to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments and restatements of such agreement, instrument or document. Nothing contained in this Section 1.4 will be construed to authorize any renewal, extension, modification, amendment or restatement.
 
1.5    References and Titles . All references in this Contract to exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Contract unless expressly provided otherwise. The words "this Contract," "this instrument," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Contract as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases "this section" and "this subsection" and similar phrases refer only to the sections or subsections of this Contract in which those phrases occur. The word "or" is not exclusive; the word "including" (in its various forms) means "including without limitation." Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall." Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained herein), (c) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word "from" means "from and including" and the word "to" means "to and including." No provision of this Contract or any other Contract Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision
 
ARTICLE II
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
 
2.1    Scope of the Services . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, Contractor shall perform or cause to be performed all Services set forth in the Clarification and Description of Services for completion of the Project. Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating all portions of the Services under this Contract in accordance with Project Documents.
 
2.2    Permits, Licenses and Authorizations .
 
(a)    Contractor shall obtain only those permits and authorizations which Contractor is required to obtain directly in its own name in order to perform the Services (the " Contractor Permits "), and Contractor shall either furnish to Owner copies of all such permits and authorizations or maintain copies of the same at the Facility. Contractor shall also supply all technical documentation required in support of the Contractor Permits to Owner.
 
(b)    Except for the Contractor Permits, Owner shall secure any federal, state, and local certificates, licenses, permits or approvals for the Project, including necessary approvals required by any Governmental Authority for the operation of the Additional Equipment. Contractor shall assist Owner at Owner's sole cost in securing such permits, licenses and authorizations.
 
2.3    Safety . Contractor shall advise Owner with regard to initiating, maintaining and supervising safety precautions and programs in connection with the completion of the Project.
 
 
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2.4    Personnel . Contractor shall engage the Personnel required for the completion of the Project in accordance with the Clarification and Description of Services.
 
2.5          Supervision of Contractor . Owner has entered into this Contract to delegate the day-to-day management of the Project to Contractor as an independent contractor, subject to the review of Owner and the provisions contained within this Contract.
 
(a)    Contractor shall promptly respond to all notices, requests, or inquiries from Owner and will permit Owner to review Contractor's performance of the Services. Owner, however, shall not have the right to exercise control over Project Manager's day-to-day actions in providing Services under this Contract. For purposes of this Section 2.5 , Contractor shall be entitled to treat Jason Heuring and Jonathan Carroll, or such other Person as Owner provides notice of in writing from time to time, as the authorized representative of Owner.
 
(b)    Except as otherwise provided herein, Contractor shall not be obligated to perform the Services or any other or additional act for, or on behalf of, Owner requiring it to incur, directly or indirectly, any cost or expense not paid for, or reimbursed by Owner.
 
(c)    Contractor shall perform the Services and carry out its responsibilities under this Contract as an independent contractor in accordance with Section 2.5 . Any contractual relationship between Contractor, Owner and any Personnel shall not:
 
(i)           Affect Contractor's status or relationship to Owner as an independent contractor;
 
(ii)           Impose a higher standard of care than established herein; or
 
(iii)           Create any duty, obligation, or liability for Contractor to perform, act, or assume responsibilities in addition to the Services.
 
(d)           Contractor shall not be responsible for any duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth in this Contract, and all such duties and obligations not delegated to Contractor in this Contract shall be retained by Owner.
 
2.6    Standard of Performance . Contractor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (a) perform the Services and (b) to cause all Personnel to perform the Services, in accordance with sound engineering and construction practices utilized by a significant portion of the refinery and construction industries operating in the United States as they relate to the installation and construction of the Additional Equipment.
 
 
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2.7    Compliance With Laws . Contractor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (a) perform the Services and carry out its responsibilities under this Contract and (b) require all Personnel to perform the Services, in compliance with all Applicable Laws; provided , however , that Contractor shall have the right to contest by proper legal proceedings the validity of any such law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, decision, or requirement and may postpone compliance therewith to the extent and in the manner provided by law until final determination of any such proceedings.
 
2.8    Acquisition of Materials and Services . In the supervision of the acquisition of materials and services with respect to the Project, Contractor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assign any warranties applicable to such goods and services (if any) to Owner.
 
2.9    Title and Risk of Loss . Except for losses that are caused by the fraud or willful misconduct of Contractor, Owner shall be responsible for the risk of loss of the Project or any part thereof during the Contract Time, regardless of cause. Contractor and Owner shall, at Owner's sole expense, take commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that all title to the Additional Equipment shall vest in the name of Owner once such Additional Equipment has been installed or incorporated at the Facility in connection with the performance of the Services.
 
2.10         Relationship of the Parties . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, it is expressly understood and agreed that any and all Services performed hereunder by Contractor, or by any third party retained by Contractor hereunder, shall be as an independent contractor. It is not the intention of any Party hereto to create, and this Contract shall not be construed to create, an agency relationship, a partnership, association, trust, or joint venture.
 
2.11          Contractor Responsibility . Contractor shall not be responsible for (a) construction means, methods, techniques, and procedures employed by Personnel in the performance of their respective contracts (or purchase orders), or (b) the failure of any Personnel to perform their respective obligations in accordance with their respective contracts (or purchase orders).
 
2.12          Removal of Personnel . Owner shall have the right to demand, upon reasonable cause shown, that Contractor restrict or remove any individual or individuals from performing services under this Contract when so notified by Owner; however, Owner shall not take any action which would cause Contractor to be unable to perform the Services under this Agreement.
 
2.13          Changes and Extra Work . Any change or extra items of work that are outside of the scope of the Services that will affect the time required for performance of the Services or increase or decrease the cost of performing the Services (a " Change in Services ") must be agreed upon by the Parties in writing. Upon the written request for a Change in Services by either Party, Contractor shall prepare and submit to Owner at Owner's expense an estimate of how the change requested thereby will affect the costs of the Project, together with an explanation of the basis therefor and such other supporting documentation as Owner may reasonably require.
 
 
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ARTICLE III
CONTRACTOR WARRANTIES
 
3.1    Contractor Warranty . Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.1 , Contractor warrants its Services shall be performed in compliance with all Applicable Laws and Applicable Permits and in a manner such that Services meet the specifications provided in the Design and Construction Specifications (as may be revised in accordance with the terms of this Contract), except, to the extent any defect, deficiency or failure to meet the specification set forth in the Design and Construction Specifications is due to the failure of Owner to fulfill any of its obligations under this Contract.
 
3.2    Enforcement of Warranty . If Owner notifies Contractor of any defects or deficiencies in the Additional Equipment, the Contractor shall promptly, at Owner's expense, reperform the Services as necessary to correct such defects or deficiencies, and in the case of defective materials or equipment, at the Contractor's election, either repair such materials or equipment or replace such materials or equipment with new materials or equipment free from such defects or deficiencies, with the cost of such reperformance, replacement or repair by Contractor constituting Obligations that will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Collateral. If Contractor fails to complete the required reperformance, repair, or replacement promptly, Owner shall have the right to complete such reperformance, repair, or replacement itself or through another Person at Owner's expense; provided, however, that such right shall not relieve Owner of its obligations under this Agreement or the other Contract Documents.
 
3.3    Expiration of Contractor Warranty . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, Contractor's warranty obligations set forth in Section 3.1 with respect to the Additional Equipment shall terminate on the earlier of (i) one (1) year after the end date of the Contract Time or (ii) the termination of this Contract.
 
3.4    Allocation of Warranty Costs and Expenses . Any costs and expenses incurred by Contractor in connection with the reperformance, repairs, or replacements of the Additional Equipment in accordance with Sections 3.1 or 3_2 shall constitute Obligations and will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Facility.
 
3.5    Exclusions . THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 3.1 IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES BY CONTRACTOR, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY. NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OR WARRANTY IMPOSED BY LAW, INCLUDING A WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY. OTHER THAN THE WARRANTY IN SECTION 3.1 , THE CONTRACTOR DOES NOT WARRANT UNDER THIS CONTRACT ANY PRODUCT, MATERIAL, OR SERVICES OF OTHERS, AND THE CONTRACTOR DOES NOT WARRANT UNDER THIS CONTRACT THE FITNESS OR SUITABILITY OF ANY OF THE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR ANY SPECIFIC APPLICATION, PERFORMANCE, RESULTS OR USE. ANY ORAL OR WRITTEN REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE NOT CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT WILL NOT BE BINDING ON ANY PARTY.
 
 
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ARTICLE IV
CONTRACTOR FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
 
4.1    Accounting . Contractor shall keep a full and complete account of the costs and expenses incurred by Contractor while performing the Services.
 
4.2    Non-Fee Schedule Expenditures . Contractor may expend funds out-of-pocket for Services within the scope of the Project not set forth in the Clarification and Description of Services that, in the Contractor's commercially reasonable judgment, are required to be rendered in the event of an Emergency. All expenditures made by Contractor in the event of an Emergency shall constitute Obligations and will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Collateral.
 
4.3    Audits and Examinations . Owner shall have the right to audit or examine books and records of Contractor relating to the Services provided under this Contract. Owner may examine the books and records of Contractor after giving written notice ten (10) business days in advance of the date of the proposed examination. Owner shall bear the cost of any such examinations. All examinations and audits shall be conducted at Contractor's offices during normal business hours.
 
ARTICLE V
CONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
 
5.1    Minimum Limits . Contractor shall carry and maintain insurance for the benefit of itself and Owner at such limits and on such terms as set forth on the schedule of required insurance attached hereto as Exhibit H (the " Insurance Schedule "). The expense for such insurance shall constitute Obligations and will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Facility.
 
5.2    Certificates of Insurance . Within thirty (30) days following the date of this Contract, Contractor shall deliver to Owner, at Owner's expense, certificates of insurance that evidence the coverage required pursuant to the Insurance Schedule, and any updates thereto. The expense for the procurement of such certificates of insurance shall constitute Obligations and will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Facility.
 
 
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ARTICLE VI
COMPLETION AND ACCEPTANCE
 
6.1    Notice of Completion . When Contractor has fully completed performance of the Services, it shall notify Owner and request confirmation by Owner in writing of completion of the Project.
 
6.2    Acceptance by Owner . Within three (3) days after receipt of a notice from Contractor pursuant to Section 6.1 above, Owner shall issue written confirmation of completion of the Project or specify in writing to Contractor any obligations under this Contract which are Contractor's responsibility and have not been fulfilled. In such event, Contractor shall promptly fulfill any unfilled obligations of its Services under this Contract which are its responsibility and submit a further notice to Owner pursuant to Section 6.1 above.
 
ARTICLE VII
CO MPENSATIO N
 
7.1    Contractor Fee . Owner shall pay to Contractor, as full and complete compensation for performance of the Services set forth in this Contract, the sum of $100,000 (the " Contractor Fee ").
 
7.2   Contractor Fee Constitutes an Obligation . Effective as of the Closing Date, the Contractor Fee will constitute an Obligation under this Contract and shall bear interest at the Contract Rate.
 
ARTICLE VIII
ADVANCEMENT OF FUNDS
 
8.1    Amount of Funds Advanced . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract, after Closing Contractor agrees to provide funds on behalf of Owner not to exceed $3,700,000 for capital expenditures plus an additional $400,000 for Facility startup operating expenses (collectively, the " Funding Amount Limit "') so that Contractor may provide the Services set forth herein. Contractor does not intend to advance Owner any amount in excess of the Funding Amount Limit, and, subject to Section 18.5 , any increase in the Funding Amount Limit required by a Change in Services will occur only after written approval of such increase by Contractor to be given in its sole and absolute discretion. If, however, the funds provided by Contractor pursuant to this Section 8.1 at any time exceed the Funding Amount Limit, such amounts will constitute Obligations and will be entitled to the benefit of Contractor's Liens on the Facility.
 
 
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8.2   Interest .
 
(a)    All amounts provided by Contractor pursuant to Section 8.1 (the " Advances ") and all other Obligations under the Contract Documents will bear interest at the Contract Rate beginning on the date of each Advance or, in the case of other Obligations, the date that such Obligation is accrued, and continue until all Obligations are paid in full in accordance with this Contract.
 
(b)    All interest will be computed on the actual number of days elapsed over a year composed of 360 days. Interest is due and payable under this Contract in arrears and in immediately available funds on each Payment Date.
 
8.3    Repayment of Funds . Beginning on the tenth (10 th ) day of the month following the month in which the Initial Operation Date occurs (the " Initial Payment Date ") and on each Payment Date thereafter, Owner shall pay to Contractor, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Marketing Agreement, a minimum payment of $150,000 (the " Base Construction Payment "); provided , however , that if Gross Profits in any calendar month are insufficient to satisfy the Base Construction Payment, then one hundred percent (100%) of the Gross Profits in subsequent calendar months shall be paid to Contractor until any such insufficiencies have been satisfied in full (in either instance, such payment will be referred to herein as the " Construction Payment .
 
8.4    Application of Funds.
 
(a)    Payments due under this Contract will be applied first to accrued interest on the Obligations, and second to the principal on the Obligations.
 
(b)    Any prepayments made on Advances will be applied first to principal on the Obligations, and second to accrued interest on the Obligations.
 
8.5            Optional Prepayment . Owner may prepay the Obligations in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium.
 
8.6    Mandatory Prepayment of Obligations . Owner will promptly pay to Contractor one hundred percent (100%) of all net proceeds from the sale of the Facility up to the outstanding amount owed on Advances and other Obligations under the Contract Documents. The preceding sentence will not, however, be deemed to be a consent by Owner to any sale. All prepayments received by Owner under this Section 8.6 will be immediately applied as a prepayment of the Advances pursuant to Section 8.4(b) .
 
8.7    Application of Insurance Proceeds . Owner will promptly pay to Contractor one hundred percent (100%) of all cash amounts received as insurance proceeds under any property or casualty insurance related to the Facility up to the amount owed on Advances and other Obligations under the Contract Documents, unless Contractor consents to Owner's expenditure of those insurance proceeds to repair or replace the Facility. All prepayments received by Contractor under this Section 8.7 will be immediately applied as a prepayment of the Advances pursuant to Section 8.4(b) .
 
 
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8.8    Taxes .
 
(a)    All payments made by Owner under this Contract will be made free and clear of and without deduction for Taxes. If Owner is required by law to deduct any Taxes from any sum payable to Contractor, (i) the sum payable will be increased by an amount so that, after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 8.8(a) ) Contractor will receive an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no deductions been made, (ii) Owner will deduct from the sum payable to Contractor an amount sufficient to pay the Taxes and pay the balance to Contractor, and (iii) Owner will promptly pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Taxing Authority or other Governmental Authority in accordance with Law
 
(b)    In addition, and to the fullest extent permitted by Law, Owner agrees to pay any present or future stamp, documentary, mortgage registration or similar taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise from any payment made or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Contract Document (collectively, the " Other Taxes ")
 
(c)    To the fullest extent permitted by Law, and unless there exists a material breach of Contractor's representations in this Contract, Owner will forever indemnify Contractor from and against (i) all Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any Taxing Authority on amounts payable under this Section 8.8(c) and paid by Contractor on behalf of Owner and (ii) all liabilities (including penalties, interest and reasonable attorneys fees, expenses and disbursements) arising from or related to those Taxes and Other Taxes without regard to whether those Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed. Owner will make any payments required under this Section 8.8(c) within thirty (30) days after the Contractor delivers a written notice to Owner that (x) identifies the relevant Taxing Authority and the amount of the Tax or Other Tax imposed, (y) states with reasonable specificity the basis for that Tax or Other Tax, and (z) certifies that Contractor has paid the Tax or Other Tax imposed. The indemnification obligations of Owner under this Section 8.8(c) will survive the repayment of the Obligations and the termination of this Contract.
 
ARTICLE IX
GRANT OF LIEN; SECURITY INTEREST
 
9.1            Grant of Security Interests . As security for all of the Obligations owed to Contractor or its Affiliates under this Contract and the other Contract Documents, Owner grants, assigns, transfers and conveys to Contractor a perfected security interest in, a general lien upon, and a right of set-off against all of Owner's assets, tangible or intangible, including but not limited to the following and whether now owned or later acquired:
 
(a)    all of Owner's accounts (as is defined in the Code) of any kind (the " Accounts "); all chattel papers, electronic chattel papers, payment intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, documents and instruments relating to the Accounts; and all rights in and to all security agreements, leases, and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to any Accounts or any such chattel papers, documents and instruments;
 
(b)    all of Owner's Equipment in all of its forms and wherever located;
 
(c)    all of Owner's general intangibles (as defined in the Code) of any kind (the " General Intangibles "); all chattel papers, electronic chattel papers, payment intangibles, promissory notes, letter of credit rights, documents and instruments relating to the General Intangibles; and all rights in and to all security agreements, leases, and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to any General Intangibles or any such chattel papers, documents and instruments;
 
 
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(d)    all of Owner's inventory (as defined in the Code) in all of its forms, and wherever located, together with all accessions or additions thereto and products thereof;
 
(e)    all of Owner's investment property (as defined in the Code) wherever located;
 
(f)    all of Owner's deposit accounts (as defined in the Code) wherever located;
 
(g)    any additional intangible property from time to time delivered to or deposited with Contractor as security for the Obligations or otherwise pursuant to the terms of this Contract; and
 
(h)           the proceeds, products, supporting obligations, Related Rights, additions to, substitutions for and accessions of any and all Collateral described in subparagraphs (a)-(g) in this Section (a) .
 
9.2            Release of Liens; Financing Statements; Release . Upon the indefeasible payment  in cash and performance in full of all Obligations under this Contract (other than indemnity obligations and similar obligations that survive the termination of this Agreement), Contractor will deliver to Owner, at Owner's expense, releases of all Liens arising under the Security Documents with an acknowledgment that the same have been terminated, and Owner shall deliver to Contractor a general release of all of Contractor's liabilities and obligations under this Contract. The obligations of Owner and Contractor under the other Contract Documents will survive the termination of this Contract and the release of the security interests.
 
9.3    Forbearance and Subordination Agreements . Owner shall cause each Person who currently holds a Lien on the Collateral or has the right to assert such a Lien to execute (a) a forbearance agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Contractor in its sole discretion or (b) a Subordination Agreement.
 
9.4    All Obligations are Pari Passu . All Obligations owed to Contractor under the Contract Documents shall be pari passu with all Obligations owed to any Affiliate of Contractor under Contract Documents, and all Obligations shall be secured ratably, for the benefit of Contractor and its Affiliates, by the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Documents.
 
9.5    Mechanic and Materialmen Liens . Owner and Contractor hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) the mechanic's, contractor's or materialman's lien provisions of Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code and the lien provisions of Article XVI, Section 37 of the Texas Constitution (both as amended, supplemented or replaced, the " Applicable Lien Laws ") shall apply to and secure the payment of the Services to be performed by or on behalf of Contractor at the Facility, including, without limitation, any and all labor or materials to be furnished to the Facility in connection with the Services, and (b) if Owner fails to timely pay Contractor in accordance with the terms of this Contract, in addition to any and all other remedies Contractor may have under this Contract, Contractor may in its sole and absolute discretion assert and foreclose upon any or all of such liens of Contractor securing such payment ("Contractor's Liens"), subject to and in accordance with the Applicable Lien Laws.
 
 
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ARTICLE X
OWNER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
To induce Contractor to make the Advances, Owner makes the following representations and warranties, each and all of which will survive the execution and delivery of this Contract and continue until all Obligations have been satisfied.
 
10.1         Formation and Existence . Owner is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Owner is qualified to do business in every other jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership of its property requires it to be so qualified and where failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
10.2         Name; Executive Offices . The name of Owner, as listed in its Charter Documents on file in the public records of its jurisdiction of organization, is Lazarus Energy LLC. Owner's principal place of business and chief executive offices are located at the address forth in Section 19.6 .
 
10.3         Authorization; Non-Contravention . Owner's execution, delivery and performance under the Contract Documents and the creation of all Liens provided for in those agreements:
 
(a)    are within the company power and authority of Owner;
 
(b)    have been duly authorized by all necessary company action of Owner;
 
(c)    are not in contravention of (i) any agreement to which Owner is a party or by which it or its property is bound, (ii) the Charter Documents of Owner, or (iii) any provision of law applicable to Owner or its properties where its contravention could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
(d)    do not require the consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person except for (i) those previously delivered to Contractor, or (ii) those that are both (A) identified on Schedule 10.3 , and (B) routinely granted by the relevant Governmental Authority and expected to be obtained in the ordinary course (the consents and approvals described in the preceding clause (ii) being the " Post-Closing Governmental Consents "); and
 
(e)    are legal, valid and binding obligations of Owner, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws and by general equitable principles.
 
10.4         Solvency . Owner is Solvent and will continue to be Solvent after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Contract.
 
 
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10.5         Omissions and Misstatements . Owner has disclosed to Contractor all agreements, and all other matters known to Owner, that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All financial and other information furnished in writing by or on behalf of Owner to Contractor in connection with the negotiation or performance of this Contract or any other Contract Document, when taken as a whole, do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to financial projections, Owner represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time. To Owner's knowledge, after due inquiry, there is no fact peculiar to Owner which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or in the future is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect and which has not been set forth in this Contract or the Contract Documents or disclosed in writing to Contractor by Owner on or before the date of this Contract.
 
10.6         Joint Venture . Owner is not engaged in any joint venture or partnership relating to the Facility or its assets with any other Person.
 
10.7         Commissions; Expenses . Except for commissions for which Owner is solely responsible and that are identified on Schedule 10.7 , no broker's or finder's fees or commissions have been paid or will be payable by Owner or any of its Affiliates to any Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Contract.
 
10.8         Tax Returns; Taxes . Owner has timely filed (after giving effect to any applicable extensions) all income tax and all other material tax returns (foreign, federal, state and local) required to be filed and has paid all taxes due (including interest and penalties) except for amounts contested in good faith by Owner through appropriate proceedings timely filed and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves. No assessments have been made by any Governmental Authority against Owner or the Facility that have not been paid (except for assessments protested in good faith by Owner through appropriate proceedings timely filed and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves) nor has any penalty or deficiency been assessed by any Governmental Authority. No Governmental Authority has notified Owner that any income tax or other material tax return is under examination, nor is the result of any prior examination being contested by Owner. Except with respect to taxes being contested in good faith by Owner through appropriate proceedings timely filed and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves, no material tax Liens have been filed against Owner or the Facility.
 
10.9         Litigation; Governmental Proceedings . Except as set forth on Schedule 10.9. no claim, action, suit or other proceeding (collectively, an " Action ") by any Governmental Authority or any other Person is pending or, to the best of Owner's knowledge, threatened against Owner or that relates to the Facility. With respect to the Actions set forth on Schedule 10.9 , Owner has not accepted liability in connection with any Action except in the specific instances described on Schedule 10.9 , none of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
10.10        Ownership of Facility; Interests .
 
(a)    Except as set forth on Schedule 10.10 , the Collateral is owned of record by Owner free and clear of any Liens. Owner has the exclusive right to sell and grant Liens over the Collateral. To Owner's knowledge, there are no unrecorded documents or agreements that could limit or impair (i) the Owner's ability to grant the Liens contemplated by the Security Documents or (ii) the Contractor's ability to enforce those Liens pursuant to the Security Documents.
 
(b)    All of the assets of Owner that are reasonably necessary for the conduct of its current business are in good working condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and are regularly maintained in accordance with customary industry standards.
 
 
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10.11   Legal Description of the Facility Site . The Legal Description of the Facility Site sets forth an accurate and proper legal description of the real property upon which the Facility is located and includes all known legal limitations or restrictions relating to the Site.
 
10.12   Environmental Matters . Except as set forth in (a) that certain Environmental Site Assessment for the Facility, prepared in March 2004 by George Chandlee, Ph.D., P.G. and Source Environmental Sciences, Inc. and (b) the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report dated November 30, 2006, the Limited Phase II Subsurface Investigation Report dated February 7,   2007 and the Addendum to that report dated June 16, 2008, and the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report dated April 3, 2008, each completed by Enercon Services, Inc. 1700 West Loop South, Suite 825, Houston, Texas 77027, and as disclosed on Schedule 10.12 :
 
(a)           The Facility, the operations currently conducted at the Facility, and, to Owner's knowledge, the operations conducted at the Facility by any prior owner or operator of the Facility are not or were not (i) in violation of any Environmental Law or any Order of any Governmental Authority in respect of any Environmental Law, (ii) the subject of any existing, pending or threatened action, suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority, or (iii) currently subject to any unsatisfied remedial obligations under any Environmental Law;
 
(b)     All Permits and notices, if any, required by any Environmental Law to be maintained or filed in connection with the operation or use of the Facility have been duly filed and are being maintained, any applications for renewal of such Permits have been submitted on a timely basis, and the Facility is in compliance with the terms and conditions of those Permits and notices;
 
(c)    (i) all Hazardous Materials, solid waste, and Hydrocarbon exploration and production wastes, if any, previously generated at the Facility has been transported or treated or disposed of in accordance with Environmental Laws, (ii) all transport carriers and treatment and disposal facilities have been and are operating in compliance with Environmental Laws, and (iii) such carriers and facilities are not the subject of any existing, pending or threatened action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority in connection with any Environmental Laws;
 
(d)           There are no Hazardous Materials located on, within or under any land, buildings or other improvements owned, leased or used in connection with the operation of the Facility at any time, including any surface and subsurface waters on or under any real property owned, leased or used by Owner at any time, which could result in Liability under any Environmental Law;
 
(e)    There are no polychlorinated biphenyls or any asbestos or asbestos-containing materials located on or within the Facility or on the properties surrounding the Facility. Neither Owner nor the Facility sells or has sold any product containing asbestos or polychlorinated biphenyls;
 
 
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(f)     Owner is not under any current obligation or impending obligation imposed by any Governmental Authority to make any material expenditure over the next three years to achieve or maintain compliance with any requirement of Environmental Laws with respect to the Facility;
 
(g)    There is no ongoing Release or Threat of Release, and there have been no past Releases from the operations of the Facility which could result in Liability under any Environmental Law;
 
(h)           Owner has not received any information indicating that any Person, including any employee, may have impaired health, or that the Environment may have been adversely impacted, as the result of the operations or products of the Facility or the Release of Hazardous Materials from, on or under the Facility or any land, building or other improvement owned, leased or used in the operation of the Facility;
 
(i)            With respect to the operations of the Facility, Owner has not (i) entered into or been subject to any Order relating to Environmental Laws; (ii) received any notice under the citizen suit provisions of any Environmental Law; (iii) received any request for information, notice, demand letter, notice of investigation, administrative inquiry or formal or informal complaint or claim relating to any potential liability under any Environmental Law; or (iv) been subject to or threatened with any governmental or citizen enforcement action relating to any Environmental Law;
 
(j)            Neither Owner nor any of its Affiliates have any unsatisfied or known contingent Liabilities in connection with any release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials, solid waste, and hydrocarbon transportation and production wastes on or from the Facility; and
 
(k)           Owner has no reason to believe that the Facility and its current or proposed operations will not be able to maintain compliance with all Environmental Laws during the term of this Contract.
 
10.13        OSHA .
 
(a)    Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 10.13 , the Facility has been in compliance with OSHA.
 
(b)    Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 10.13 , there are no investigations pending or threatened by any Governmental Authority or other Person that would result in the imposition of any Liability on the Facility pursuant to OSHA. Schedule 10.13 sets forth all reports of any OSHA audits with respect to the Facility performed within the previous five years by any Person (including Owner) or any Governmental Authority.
 
 
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10.14        Permits and Licenses .
 
(a)    Owner maintains all Permits necessary to conduct Crude Oil transportation, processing and storage at the Facility, and Owner maintains all other Permits necessary to conduct its business, except, in either case, where the failure to maintain a Permit could not reasonably be expected to have Material Adverse Effect.
 
(b)    There are no material pending fees, assessments or penalties relating to any Permit other than those payable in the Ordinary Course of Business and not yet delinquent.
 
(c)    The continuation, validity and effectiveness of each Permit are not and will in no way be adversely affected by the transactions contemplated by this Contract or the Contract Documents.
 
(d)    Owner is not in breach of or in default under the terms of any Permit, and Owner has not engaged in any activity which could result in the revocation or suspension of any Permit. No action or proceeding is pending or, to Owner's knowledge, threatened by the issuer of any Permit that could result in the revocation or suspension of any Permit. Except as set forth on Schedule 10.14 , no suspension of the operations of the Facility is in effect.
 
10.15       Operation of the Facility .
 
(a)          Except as set forth on Schedule 10.15 , and except where the failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Facility (together with any other properties unitized by the Facility) has at all times been maintained, operated and developed (i) in conformity with all Laws and (ii) in a manner consistent with the conduct of a Prudent Operator; and
 
(b)          Except as set forth on Schedule 10.15 , Owner is not in breach of or in default under the terms of any contract or agreement to which it is bound or to which the Facility is subject, except to the extent such breach or default could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
10.16    Equipment . Except for the Permitted Encumbrances and as set forth on Schedule 10.16 , there is no restriction or other limitation on Contractor's ability to obtain or exercise its Lien over the Equipment, including the right to foreclose on and sell the Equipment or to exercise, subject to Debtor Relief Laws, all other rights and remedies of a secured party under the Laws of each jurisdiction applicable to the Facility.
 
 
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10.17   Unpaid Bills .
 
(a)    Schedule 10.17 identifies all vendors that have provided goods or services to the Owner in connection with operation of the Facility during the twelve calendar months preceding this Contract.
 
(b)    Except as set forth on Schedule 10.17 . Owner has no past due bills for improvements to the Facility that could give rise to mechanics' or materialmen's Liens or other similar Liens arising by operation of law that could rank in priority ahead of any of the Liens arising under the Security Documents, except for bills being diligently contested in good faith by Owner and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves.
 
10.18   Taxpayer Identification . Owner's federal taxpayer identification number is 13-4321870.
 
10.19   Insurance . The insurance policies that Owner is required to maintain under Section 12.8 provide insurance coverage, in both type and amount, that is (a) sufficient to allow Owner to comply with all Laws and (b) consistent with the insurance coverage, in both type and amount, that would be maintained by a Prudent Operator. Contractor has been named as an additional insured under all liability insurance policies maintained by Owner and has been named as a loss payee under all property casualty insurance maintained with respect to the Facility.
 
10.20   Restriction on Liens . Except for the Post-Closing Governmental Consents, no restriction or limitation exists with respect to Owner's ability to grant to Contractor the Liens arising under the Security Documents.
 
10.21   Deposit Accounts . Except as set forth on Schedule 10.21 , Owner does not maintain any deposit accounts (as defined in the Code).
 
10.22   Labor Matters . Neither Owner nor any of its Subsidiaries are in violation of any Law relating to labor matters, and all payments due from Owner or any Subsidiary of Owner for employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on its books, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
10.23   No Default . No Default exists or is reasonably likely to result from Owner's entry into or performance under any Contract Document or the making of any Advance under this Contract. No event or circumstance exists which, with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice or the making of any determination by any other Person would constitute a default under any other agreement, whether written or oral, by which Owner is bound or to which the Facility is subject, except where such default could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
10.24   Financial Statements . The most recent financial statements of Owner delivered to Contractor (a) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (b) give a true and fair view (if audited) or fairly present (if unaudited) of its consolidated financial condition as at the end of, and consolidated results of operations for, the period to which they relate
 
 
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ARTICLE XI
FlNANCIAL   STATEMENTS   AND   CERTATNNOTIC   S   TO   CONTRACTOR
 
For as long as this Contract remains in effect, Owner shall deliver the following to Contractor upon its request:
 
11.1    Financial  Reporting.     Such  financial  statements  of  Owner  certified  by  an Authorized Officer that are prepared in accordance with GAAP and fully compliant with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, in accordance with the requirements set forth on Exhibit   I attached hereto.
 
11.2    Spending  Report.    A  monthly spending  report  prepared in  accordance with Exhibit   I   consisting  of  written  documentation satisfactory  to  Contractor  setting  forth  the spending allocations of Owner for funds received by Owner from Contractor or its Affiliates.

11.3     Notices   of   Default.    Written notice to Contractor promptly (but, in any event, within three (3) Business Days) after Owner becomes aware that a Default has occurred.  Each notice will describe, in reasonable detail, the nature of the Default, event or circumstance, its anticipated effect on Owner and the Facility, and what responsive action(s) Owner proposes to take.
 
11.4     Additional   Information.    Additional information as Contractor may reasonably request concerning Owner, its financial condition or the ownership or operation of the Facility.
 
 
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ARTICLE XII
AFFIRMATIVE   COVENANTS
 
For as long as this Contract remains in effect, Owner shall, unless Contractor otherwise consents in writing:
 
12.1        Preservation of Existence and Good Standing . Maintain (a) its existence and current form of organization under the laws of the State of Delaware and all related rights, privileges and franchises and (b) good standing in every jurisdiction in which Owner is qualified to do business or the ownership of its property requires it to be so qualified, including, but not limited to, the State of Texas.
 
12.2        Operations of the Facility.
 
(a)    Prior to and after the Initial Operation Date, operate the Facility in the Ordinary Course of Business and shall (i) maintain and keep the property and Equipment of the Facility in good repair, working order and condition, (ii) purchase and keep in full force and effect insurance coverage with respect to the Facility and its assets in amounts as would be maintained by any Prudent Operators similarly situated, (iii) maintain the books and records of the Facility consistent with past practice and (iv) comply in all material respects with all Laws and Permits applicable to the Facility.
 
(b)    Not perform, take any action or incur or permit to exist any act, transactions, events or occurrences which would result in a Material Adverse Effect to Owner or the Facility.
 
(c)    Not, other than as necessary in the Ordinary Course of Business and in a manner that fully complies with all Environmental Laws, generate, store, transport, recycle, treat, Release, dispose of or otherwise handle in any way any Hazardous Materials for itself or for any other Person nor allow any other Person to generate, store, transport, recycle, treat, Release, dispose of or otherwise handle in any way any Hazardous Substance on any real property owned, leased or used by the Owner at any time in connection with the operation of the Facility.
 
(d)    Not impair the health of any individuals or the Environment through the Release of Hazardous Materials from the Facility or its assets.
 
12.3     Compliance with Law.
 
(a)    Comply, with all Laws regarding the collection, payment and deposit of employees' income, unemployment and Social Security taxes except to the extent that its noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(b)    Comply with all Laws affecting the ownership and operation of the Facility except to the extent that its noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 
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(c)    Comply with all Environmental Laws, including with respect to (i) disposing of or releasing Hazardous Materials, solid wastes, the Nixon Product or Hydrocarbons on, under, about or from the Facility or the Site, (ii) timely obtaining and complying with all Permits (including those Permits required in connection with Environmental Laws) and filing all notices required to be obtained or filed in connection with the ownership and operation of the Facility, (iii) promptly commencing and diligently prosecuting to completion any assessment, investigation, monitoring, containment, cleanup, restoration or other remedial obligation (collectively, the " Remedial Work ") required in connection with any actual or suspected past, present or future disposal or other release of any Hazardous Materials, solid wastes or Hydrocarbons or Nixon Product on, under, about or from the Facility or the Site, and (iv) implementing and maintaining procedures as necessary to continuously determine and ensure Owner's compliance with all Environmental Laws.
 
(d)    Operate the Facility so that no cleanup or other obligation is imposed under CERCLA or any other Law (including Hazardous Substance Laws) intended to protect the environment or relating to the generation, transportation or disposal of hazardous waste which could allow any Person to assert a Lien to secure that obligation that is senior in priority to Contractor's Liens on the Facility, but excluding Liens being protested in good faith by Owner through appropriate proceedings timely filed and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.
 
(e)    Notify Contractor in writing within ten days after (i) the commencement of any action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority, or (ii) receiving written notice of any threatened demand or action by any landowner or other Person against Owner or affecting the Facility in connection with an alleged violation of any Environmental Law (but excluding routine testing and routine corrective action).
 
(f)    Comply with all Environmental and Safety Regulations and other Laws with respect to Hazardous Materials, and keep all the Facility free and clear of any Liens imposed by those Laws. If Owner receives any notice from any Person relating to an alleged Release of Hazardous Materials at or from the Facility or the Site, Owner shall immediately (and, in any event, prior to the expiration of any period specified in the notice during which Owner is to respond) deliver a true and complete a copy of the notice to Contractor along with a description, in reasonable detail, of Owner's proposed response to the notice.
 
12.4         Records . Keep adequate records and books of account in accordance with GAAP to reflect all transactions conducted with respect to its business and the Collateral. Owner shall conduct its business and keep its books and records separate from those of its Affiliates.
 
12.5         Litigation . Notify Contractor in writing within ten days after (i) the commencement of any action, investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority, or (ii) receiving written notice of any threatened demand or action by any other Person that seeks to:
 
(a)    prohibit or impose any material restriction on Owner's business as it presently conducts it; or
 
(b)    declare any substance used, sold or distributed by Owner to be a Hazardous Material in violation of any Hazardous Substance Law.
 
12.6         Damage to Facility . Notify Contractor in writing promptly upon Owner becoming aware of:
 
 
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(a)    damage to the Facility causing a loss in excess of $100,000 that is not fully covered by insurance; and
 
(b)    the occurrence or existence of any condition or event that could reasonably be expected to cause a loss or depreciation of the Collateral in excess of $100,000, excluding changes in the economy generally (e.g., fluctuations in the market price of Crude Oil).
 
12.7          Solvency . Conduct its business in a manner as is necessary to remain Solvent.
 
12.8         Insurance .
 
(a)    Continuously keep all Personal Property insured for replacement value of like kind and quality (i) with insurance companies licensed to do business in the jurisdiction(s) in which the property is located and having a Best's rating of "A" or better, and (ii) against loss or damage by theft, burglary, pilferage, fire and other risks customarily insured against by any Prudent Owners and operators similarly situated.
 
(b)    Continuously maintain, with insurance companies licensed to do business in the applicable jurisdiction(s) and having a Best's rating of "A" or better, liability insurance coverage against risks incident to the ownership and operation of the Facility of a type and in an amount as is customarily maintained by other Prudent Operators similarly situated.
 
(c)    Cause all insurance policies to contain endorsements in form satisfactory to Contractor showing Contractor as loss payee or additional insured, as applicable, and containing waivers of subrogation by the respective insurers and non-contributory standard mortgagee clauses or their equivalent or a satisfactory mortgagee loss payable endorsement in favor of Contractor. Owner shall notify Contractor in writing promptly after becoming aware of the occurrence or existence of any event or circumstance that could be the subject of a claim in excess of $100,000 under any insurance coverage maintained by or for the benefit of Owner. Owner authorizes and directs Contractor to (i) retain and, subject to Section 8.6 , apply all insurance proceeds as a prepayment of the Obligations or, (ii) if no Owner Event of Default then exists, disburse any or all of those insurance proceeds to Owner (subject to such terms and conditions as Contractor may reasonably deem appropriate) to pay the cost of repairing, replacing or restoring the Facility or any of its assets.
 
(d)    Deliver to Contractor all certificates of insurance and, if requested by Contractor, true and complete copies of all insurance policies and endorsements, that Owner is required to maintain under this Contract. Owner shall Cause all certificates to show that (i) the relevant insurance is in full force and effect, and (ii) the insurer has agreed to give Contractor at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice of the cancellation or non-renewal any of the insurance coverages identified on the certificate.
 
(e)    Deliver to Contractor, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date of each policy maintained under this Section 12.8 , an acceptable certificate of insurance with respect to the renewal or replacement policy.
 
 
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(f)    Notwithstanding the specific requirements of this Section 12.8 , employ industry standard practices at all times with respect to its insurance coverages to include, but not be limited to, Facility maintenance and equipment work. If Contractor notifies Owner that its insurance program is, in the reasonable opinion of Contractor, not in compliance with this Section 12.8 . then Owner shall promptly act to bring its insurance program into compliance to the extent such insurance is available on commercially reasonable terms.
 
12.9         Access to Books and Records; Inspections; Consultants .
 
(a)    Until repayment of all Obligations in full, provide Contractor with all reasonable access to appropriate officers, employees and agents of Owner to discuss the business and accounts of Owner at such times and as often as Contractor may request.
 
(b)    Provide Contractor with all reasonable access to the books and records maintained by Owner in connection with the conduct of its business, including but not limited to, all information, books and records used to prepare Owner's financial statements pursuant to Section 11.1 .
 
(c)    Provide Contractor with all reasonable access to the Facility and all other facilities owned, operated, used or maintained by Owner in connection with the conduct of its business to, among other things, witness all Equipment maintenance, Crude Oil processing and other Facility activities. To provide Contractor with a reasonable opportunity to exercise its rights under this Section 12.9(c) , Owner shall give Contractor as much notice as practical of all Facility activities. The access granted to Contractor under this Section 12.9(c) will not unreasonably disrupt the operation of the Facility.
 
(d)    Provide Contractor's consulting engineers, accountants and other professionals with all reasonable access to the Facility and all other facilities, books and records owned, operated, used or maintained by Owner in connection with the conduct of the Facility that are reasonably necessary for the performance of Contractor's obligations herein. So as to not unreasonably disrupt the business of Owner, Owner shall arrange access during its normal business hours on at least two Business Days notice from Contractor. Contractor may from time to time, upon prior written notice to Owner (except if an Owner Event of Default exists, in which case Contractor is not require to provide such notice), select and retain such consultants as Contractor reasonably determines are necessary to advise it with respect to technical and financial matters related to Owner's business and its ownership and operation of the Facility. All fees and expenses related to Contractor's consultants retained under this Section 12.9(d) shall become part of the Obligations and will be secured by Contractor's Liens on the Facility.
 
12.10   Creditors . Provide Contractor upon request a true and complete schedule of Owner's creditors, including the amount due to each and the date each payment is due. Owner shall notify Contractor immediately if Owner fails to make any payment (except for payments contested in good faith by Owner and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves) to any Person in accordance with required terms where such non-payment could result in the imposition of a Lien on the Collateral or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. If Contractor receives notice that Owner has failed to make any required payment when due, Contractor may, but will have no obligation to, make payment directly to the creditor if necessary, in the opinion of Contractor, to protect Contractor's interest in the Collateral. If Contractor makes payments to any creditor under this Section 12.10 , Owner shall reimburse Contractor upon demand and, if not promptly reimbursed, those amounts will become part of the Obligations and will be secured by Contractor's Liens on the Collateral.
 
 
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12.11    Bonds . Continuously maintain bonds required by any Governmental Authority in connection with the ownership and operation of the Facility, and deliver to Contractor true and complete copies of all bonds in place (including renewals). Schedule 12.11 identifies (a) each bond that Owner is required by any Governmental Authority to maintain in connection with the ownership and operation of the Facility, and (b) all payment obligations of Owner to any Person who has issued a bond on behalf of Owner.
 
12.12        Payment of Taxes, Etc . Pay when due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied, assessed, imposed or payable in connection with the Collateral except for taxes, assessments, charges or encumbrances being protested in good faith by Owner through appropriate proceedings timely filed and diligently prosecuted and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.
 
12.13        Equipment .
 
(a)    Continuously maintain all Equipment in good working condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and in accordance with customary industry standards.
 
(b)    Keep all Equipment at the location(s) within the State of Texas where it is used by Owner in the conduct of its business.
 
(c)    Maintain accurate and complete records of the Equipment (including its description, location, age, condition, cost and accumulated depreciation) used in connection with the conduct of Owner's business or the operation of the Facility. Owner shall, at Contractor's request, make its Equipment records available to Contractor during Owner's normal business hours and on reasonable notice.
 
(d)    When Owner is permitted to dispose of any Equipment under the Security Documents, it shall do so in good faith, in an arm's length transaction with a non-Affiliate and obtain an amount of recovery consistent with the conduct of a Prudent Operator and customary industry standards.
 
ARTICLE XIII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
 
For as long as this Contract remains in effect, Owner shall not, unless Contractor otherwise consents in writing:
 
13.1          Debt . Incur, assume or allow to exist any debt, except for debt that is (a) fully subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to a Subordination Agreement or (b) is set forth on Schedule 13.1 .
 
13.2         Accounts . Sell, discount or factor its accounts or its negotiable instruments except for accounts settled or discounted in the Ordinary Course of Business while no Default exists.
 
 
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13.3          Ownership and Business Operations .
 
(a)           Suffer any Change of Control or merge with or into any other Person;
 
(b)     acquire or agree to acquire any material portion of the assets of or the Equity Interests in another Person;
 
(c)   transfer (or grant any Person an option to acquire) any of its assets (as that term is defined under GAAP) with a fair market value, individually or in the aggregate, of more than $100,000 in any six-month period except for the sale of worn, surplus or obsolete Equipment in accordance with this Contract and the Security Documents;
 
(d)   enter into any joint venture or other partnership arrangement relating to the Facility or its assets with any Person without the written consent of Contractor;
 
(e)   enter into any contracts with any third parties which would materially affect or impair Contractor's or its Affiliates' rights under this Contract, the Joint Marketing Agreement or the Supply Agreement without the written consent of Contractor or such Affiliates, as applicable; or
 
(f)   move its executive offices, change its company name, change its corporate form to another type of entity, or move its jurisdiction of organization to a jurisdiction other than that in which Owner is organized on the date of this Contract.
 
13.4         Liens and Encumbrances . Except as set forth on Schedule 13.4 , allow any Lien to exist or consent to the filing of any financing statement on the Collateral except Liens in favor of Contractor.
 
13.5         Affiliate Transactions . Enter into a transaction with any Affiliate unless (a) the Affiliate has executed a Subordination Agreement and (b) Owner has documented to the satisfaction of Contractor that the terms of the proposed transaction are at least as favorable as those that Owner could obtain in an arm's length transaction with a Person that is not at Affiliate.
 
13.6         Deposit Accounts . Except for those identified on Schedule 10.21 . maintain any additional deposit accounts (as defined in the Code) without the written consent of Contractor.
 
 
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ARTICLE XIV
FURTI1HR RIGHTS OF CONTRACTOR
 
14.1         Further Assurances; Delivery of Additional Documents . Until all Obligations are indefeasibly repaid in full (other than indemnity and reimbursement obligations that survive the termination of this Contract):
 
(a)    Owner shall, at its expense, take all actions and execute all additional documents reasonably requested by Contractor and necessary or convenient to (i) the creation, perfection, maintenance or continuation of a first-priority Lien in favor of Contractor on the Collateral, or (ii) Contractor's exercise of its rights under this Contract and the other Contract Documents (collectively, the " Implementation Documents ").
 
(b)    Owner appoints Contractor and each of its designees as Owner's attorney in fact to execute, on behalf of Owner whenever an Owner Event of Default exists, any Implementation Documents requested by Contractor or any document to be filed with or 32 approved by any Governmental Authority in connection with a foreclosure on the Collateral. This appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
 
(c)           In exercising the appointment described in Section 14.1(b), neither Contractor nor its designees will be liable to any Person for any act, omission, error in judgment or mistake of law that is not intentional, willful or grossly negligent.
 
14.2         Payments by Contractor . If Owner fails to (a) continuously maintain insurance as required by this Contract or (b) pay any amount owed to any Person when due if Owner's failure to pay could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, Contractor can, but will not have any obligation to, (x) obtain insurance on behalf of Owner as required by this Contract if such coverage is available on commercially reasonable terms or (y) pay the unpaid amount(s) on behalf of Owner. Contractor will give Owner at least three (3) Business Days notice prior to exercising its rights under the preceding sentence unless an Owner Event of Default exists, in which case no prior notice will be necessary. Owner will reimburse Contractor upon demand for all amounts (including reasonable attorneys fees) paid by Contractor to any Person under this Section 14.2 . If Owner fails to reimburse those amounts upon demand, the unreimbursed amounts will become part of the Obligations.
 
14.3         Possession and Preservation of the Collateral . If any Owner Event of Default exists, Contractor can, in addition to any other remedies available to Contractor, (a) exercise the rights of a secured creditor under the Code to enter Owner's premises, (b) take possession of the Collateral to preserve and prepare the Collateral for sale, and (c) take possession or place custodians in control of Owner's premises without charge, rent or payment, remain on and use the premises to preserve and prepare the Collateral for sale.
 
 
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ARTICLE XV
INDEMNITIES
 
15.1         Contractor Indemnity . CONTRACTOR WILL INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS OWNER AND ITS RELATED PARTIES (THE " OWNER GROUP ") FROM AND AGAINST ALL ACTIONS, CLAIMS, INJURIES, DAMAGES, JUDGMENTS, LIABILITIES, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING THE REASONABLE FEES AND EXPENSES OF COUNSEL), CHARGES AND ENCUMBRANCES (COLLECTIVELY, " CLAIMS ") ARISING OUT OF ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF CONTRACTOR, ITS EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS RELATING TO THE SERVICES THAT CONSTITUTES FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF CONTRACTOR; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS DETERMINED BY THE FINAL AND NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.
 
15.2          Owner Indemnity—General .
 
(a)         OWNER WILL INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACTOR AND ITS RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, THE " CONTRACTOR GROUP ") FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS AGAINST CONTRACTOR GROUP ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO:
 
(i)           ALL INJURIES TO, DEATHS, OR ILLNESSES OF PERSONS IN THE CONTRACTOR GROUP AND THE OWNER GROUP AND ALL DAMAGES TO OR LOSSES OF THE PROPERTY OF ANY MEMBER OF THE CONTRACTOR  GROUP AND THE OWNER GROUP UNLESS SUCH INJURIES, DEATHS, ILLNESSES OR DAMAGES ARISE OUT OF ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF CONTRACTOR, ITS EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS RELATING TO THE SERVICES  THAT CONSTITUTES FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR GROSS  NEGLIGENCE OF CONTRACTOR; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS DETERMINED BY THE  FINAL AND NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION
 
(ii)           ALL INJURIES TO, DEATHS, OR ILLNESSES OF THIRD PARTIES AND ALL DAMAGES TO OR LOSSES OF THIRD PARTIES' PROPERTY;
 
(iii)          ASSERTING, ENFORCING OR DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF THE CONTRACTOR GROUP UNDER THIS CONTRACT OR ANY OF THE OTHER CONTRACT DOCUMENTS;
 
(iv)          CREATING, PERFECTING, MAINTAINING, OR ENFORCING ANY LIEN;
 
(v)           TAKING POSSESSION OF, PROTECTING, PRESERVING AND PREPARING THE FACILITY FOR SALE WHEN AN OWNER EVENT OF DEFAULT EXISTS;
 
(vi)          THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP OR OPERATION OF THE FACILITY BY OWNER OR ANY OTHER PERSON;
 
(vii)         OWNER'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY;
 
(viii)        THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENT BY ANY MEMBER OF THE OWNER GROUP OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ANY OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS BY ANY MEMBER OF THE OWNER GROUP;
 
 
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(ix)          THE FAILURE OF OWNER OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO COMPLY WITH ANY LAW (INCLUDING ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW);
 
(x)           THE FAILURE OF OWNER OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENT (OTHER THAN CONTRACTOR);
 
(xi)          THE INACCURACY OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MADE BY OWNER TO CONTRACTOR OR ANY OTHER PERSON IN ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENT;
 
(xii)          THE FAILURE OF OWNER TO COMPLY WITH ANY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY REGULATIONS OR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE PRESENCE, GENERATION,  STORAGE, RELEASE, THREATENED RELEASE, USE, TRANSPORTATION, DISPOSAL OR ARRANGING FOR THE DISPOSAL OR TREATMENT OF ANY HYDROCARBONS, HYDROCARBON WASTE, SOLID WASTE OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE ON, UNDER OR FROM THE FACILITY OR THE SITE;
 
(xiii)        ANY FINDER'S, BROKERAGE, FINANCING OR SIMILAR FEES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS CONTRACT; AND
 
(xiv)        ANY ACTUAL, THREATENED OR PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY MEMBER OF THE CONTRACTOR GROUP IS A NAMED PARTY TO THE PROCEEDING.
 
(b)    The indemnity obligation owing by Owner to the Contractor Group under this Section 15.2 will not be in any way limited, modified or excused by (i) any sole or concurrent negligence of any member of the Contractor Group, whether through act or omission, (ii) any strict liability imposed on any member of the Contractor Group or (iii) the joint or contributory negligence of any other Person.
 
(c)    Owner shall pay any amounts owing to the Contractor Group under this Section 15.2 within ten (10) days after a member of the Contractor Group makes a written demand for payment. Upon Owner's failure to timely pay the amounts owing under this Section 15.2 :
 
(i)           if the unpaid amount is owed to a member of the Contractor Group other than Contractor, Contractor may (but will not be obligated to) remit the unpaid amount to that Contractor Group member on behalf of Owner, in which case Owner shall reimburse Contractor upon demand; and
 
(ii)           if Contractor is a party to which indemnification is owed (or if  Owner has failed to reimburse Contractor for amounts under this Section 15.2 ), then Contractor can, at its election, capitalize the amount then owing and add them to the Obligations.
 
 
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15.3         Owner Indemnity-Environmental . NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS CONTRACT, OWNER SHALL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND SHALL INDEMNIFY CONTRACTOR GROUP FROM, AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, WITHOUT MONETARY LIMIT, RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING:
 
(a)            ALL REMEDIAL WORK REQUIRED BY A RELEASE INTO THE ENVIRONMENT THAT OCCURS PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FROM
 
THE FACILITY, THE SITE OR ANY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE SUPPLY AGREEMENT) (IF ANY), WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OWNER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SPILLS OF FUELS, LUBRICANTS, MOTOR OILS, PIPE DOPE, PAINT, SOLVENTS, BALLAST, BILGE AND GARBAGE, DEBRIS, OR ANY OTHER SUBSTANCES;
 
(b)    ANY PAST OR FUTURE LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH RESULTING FROM THE OPERATIONS OF THE FACILITY OR ANY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (IF ANY) WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OWNER; OR
 
(c)    ANY PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE VIOLATIONS BY ANY PERSON OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE LAWS, OR REGULATIONS OR ORDERS ISSUED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE FACILITY, THE SITE OR ANY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES (IF ANY)
 
15.4          Acknowledgement of Owner Indemnity . Owner has consulted with its counsel with respect to Sections 15.2 and 15.3 of this Contract and understands that Sections 15.2 and 15.3 are to be interpreted broadly against Owner.
 
15.5          Contractor Third Party Liability .
 
(a)    Owner acknowledges and agrees that independent consultants, engineers, and Subcontractors may be engaged by Contractor to complete the development of the Project, and that Contractor shall be relying on such professionals in completing the development of the Project. Accordingly, Owner hereby agrees that, except to the extent of claims arising pursuant to Section 15.1 , Owner hereby waives any and all Claims against Contractor Group arising out of or related to the Services performed by such independent consultants, engineers, and Subcontractors.
 
(b)    The Parties acknowledge and agree that all contracts between Contractor and any vendors and Subcontractors with respect to the Project shall provide that such vendors and Subcontractors shall indemnify Owner to the same extent as the indemnity given by such Subcontractor to Contractor.
 
15.6          LIMITATION OF LIABILITY . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS CONTRACT, NEITHER CONTRACTOR OR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY) LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS CONTRACT, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY ARISES IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE.
 
 
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15.7          Survival of Indemnities . The indemnity provisions of this ARTICLE XV shall survive as follows:
 
(a)    Section 15.1 and Section 15.2(a)(i)-(ii) of this Contract shall survive for the duration of the Contract Time plus two (2) years ("Indemnity Term") except that all ongoing litigation matters arising during the Indemnity Term shall survive until final judgment is rendered or final settlement is completed;
 
(b)    Sections 15.2(ayiii)-(xiv) , (b) and (c) of this Contract shall survive and continue until all Obligations have been satisfied and indefeasibly paid in full; and
 
(c)            Section 15.3 shall survive indefinitely.
 
ARTICLE XVI
CLOSING; CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
16.1          Closing . The " Closing " of this Contract will occur when all of the conditions set forth in Sections 16.2 and 16.3 are either satisfied or waived in writing by Contractor or Owner, respectively; and the " Closing Date " will be the date on which the Closing occurs.
 
16.2          Owner Conditions to Closing . As conditions to Closing:
 
(a)    Owner will execute and deliver to Contractor each of the Contract Documents to which Owner is a party;
 
(b)    Owner will cause each other party (other than Contractor) to execute and deliver to Contractor each of the Contract Documents to which it is a party;
 
(c)    Contractor will be satisfied, in its sole and absolute discretion, with the results of its business, financial, legal, title, engineering and environmental due diligence of Owner, the Facility and the Site;
 
(d)    Owner will deliver to Contractor true and complete copies of each Permit required to be obtained in connection with the ownership and operation the Facility;
 
(e)    Owner will deliver to Contractor its pro forma financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for the omission of the notes required by GAAP, and subject to the assumptions stated and normal "year end adjustments" or "quarter end adjustments" and certified as of the Closing Date by Owner's Authorized Officer as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial position of Owner after giving effect to this Contract (including the payment of all fees and expenses payable in connection with this Contract); in addition, Owner will have no contingent liabilities, liabilities for taxes, unusual forward or long term commitments or unrealized or unanticipated losses from any unfavorable commitments that are not disclosed in the financial statements;
 
(f)     Owner will deliver to Contractor:
 
(i) a true and complete copy of resolutions satisfactory to Contractor (A) authorizing Owner's execution and delivery of the Contract Documents, the payment and performance of the Obligations, and the granting of the Liens contemplated by the Security Documents, and (B) accompanied by the certification of an Authorized Officer that the resolutions have not been amended, repealed or revoked as of the Closing Date;
 
 
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(ii)           the certification of an Authorized Officer as to the name, title and signatures of Persons authorized to execute Contract Documents on behalf of Owner; and
 
(iii)           true and complete copies of Owner's Charter Documents and an original certificate of existence and/or good standing issued by the Secretary of State of the jurisdictions in which Owner is organized and conducts operations (in each instance, dated as of a date acceptable to Contractor), along with the certificate of an Authorized Officer that those Charter Documents and certificates have not been amended, repealed or revoked and remain in effect on the Closing Date.
 
(g)           Contractor will be satisfied with its review of Owner's management and its back-office, accounting, business and administrative systems and functions;
 
(h)           no Material Adverse Effect has occurred;
 
(i)            no suit or other proceeding is pending or threatened seeking to restrain, enjoin, declare illegal, recover damages from any Party or seek any other relief in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Contract;
 
(j)            an environmental consultant approved by Contractor will have inspected the Facility and the Site and delivered to Contractor a satisfactory environmental site assessment of the Facility and Site; and
 
(k)           Owner will provide Contractor with any other documents or instruments reasonably requested by Contractor, including, but not limited to, fully executed copies of forbearance agreements between Owner, Contractor and the holders of any Liens (other than those of Contractor) in form and substance acceptable to Contractor in its sole discretion.
 
16.3         Contractor Conditions to Closing . As conditions to Closing:
 
(a)           Contractor will execute and deliver to Owner each of the Contract Documents to which Contractor is a party;
 
(b)           Contractor will deliver to Owner:
 
(i)           a true and complete copy of resolutions satisfactory to Owner (A) authorizing Owner's execution and delivery of the Contract Documents to which it is a party and (B) accompanied by the certification of an authorized representative of Owner that the resolutions have not been amended, repealed or revoked as of the Closing Date;
 
(ii)           the certification of an authorized representative of Contractor as to the name, title and signatures of Persons authorized to execute Contract Documents to which Contractor is a party on behalf of such entity; and
 
(iii) true and complete copies of the Contractor's Charter Documents and an original certificate of existence and/or good standing issued by the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (dated as of a date acceptable to Owner), along with the certificate of an authorized representative of Contractor that those Charter Documents and certificates have not been amended, repealed or revoked and remain in effect on the Closing Date.
 
 
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16.4         Continuation of Advances .  Contractor may in its sole and absolute discretion suspend the Advances if the following are either not satisfied or waived in writing by Contractor:
 
(a)    The conditions described in Section 16.2 will continue to be satisfied with respect to the Facility and the Site;
 
(b)    With respect to any assets of the Facility acquired since the Closing Date, to the extent not previously delivered to Contractor, Owner will deliver to Contractor documentation as Contractor may reasonably request to satisfy the conditions described in Section 16.2 with respect to those assets as if Owner had owned them on the Closing Date (except that the representations and warranties of Owner with respect to those additional assets will be made as of the date of acquisition of such assets);
 
(c)    Owner will obtain and deliver to Contractor any additional Implementation Documents that Contractor may reasonably request;
 
(d)    No Default exists or would result from the making of the contemplated Advances;
 
(e)    No Material Adverse Effect exists or would result from the making of the contemplated Advances;
 
(f)    The representations of the parties to the Contract Documents are true, complete and correct on the date upon which the contemplated Advances are to be made except to the extent any of those representations and warranties were made as of and limited to an earlier date, in which case those representations and warranties continue to be true as of that earlier date;
 
(g)    The making of the requested Advances will not cause Contractor to violate any Law;
 
(h)           No suit or other proceeding is pending or threatened seeking to restrain, enjoin, declare illegal, recover damages from any Party or seek any other relief in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Contract;
 
(i)            Owner will deliver to Contractor at its request of all insurance certificates required under this Contract and/or true and complete copies of any insurance policy maintained by Owner;
 
(j)            There will exist no additional past due bills for improvements or services to the Facility that could give rise to any Lien, including that of a mechanic or materialman, that is not the subject of a Subordination Agreement in favor of Contractor;
 
(k)           Contractor is satisfied, in its sole and absolute discretion, with the results of its due diligence examination of Owner, the Facility and the Site; and
 
(1)           Owner will deliver to Contractor satisfactory releases of all Liens relating to the Facility that are not Permitted Encumbrances.
 
 
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ARTICLE XVII
CONTRACTOR EVENT OF DEFAULT; OWNER REMEDIES
 
17.1         Contractor Events of Default . A " Contractor Event of Default " will exist under this Contract if:
 
(a)    Contractor fails to comply with any material term of this Contract, and such noncompliance continues for thirty (30) days after the first date that Owner notifies Contractor in writing of its noncompliance;
 
(b)    Any certification or representation of Contractor or any representative of Contractor in any Contract Document is determined by Owner to have been materially false when made or deemed made; or
 
(c)    Contractor (i) executes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) becomes or is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, (iii) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, (iv) applies for or consents to the appointment of a conservator, receiver, trustee, or liquidator of Contractor or of all or any substantial part of its assets, (v) files a voluntary petition seeking reorganization or an arrangement with creditors or to seek any other relief under any Debtor Relief Laws, (vi) files an answer admitting the material allegations of or consenting to, or defaults in, a petition filed against it in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or (vii) institutes or voluntarily becomes a party to any other judicial proceedings intended to effect a discharge of its debts, in whole or in part, or seeking to postpone the maturity or the collection of any of its debts or to suspend any of the rights of Contractor under this Contract.
 
17.2          Owner Remedies . Upon a Contractor Event of Default, Owner may terminate the engagement of Contractor for the provisions of the Services (a " Contractor Termination ") by delivery to Owner of written notice of such termination. Owner may, but is not obligated to, pursue all of its rights under this Agreement and the Dispute Resolution Agreement.
 
17.3          Preservation of Rights and Liabilities . Notwithstanding, the rights of Owner as set forth in Section 17.2 , a Contractor Termination shall not prejudice any of the accrued rights, claims or liabilities of Contractor hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Contractor to pursue all remedies available herein to secure repayment of the Obligations.
 
17.4          Entitlement of Contractor upon Termination . Upon the occurrence of a Contractor Termination, and subject to the obligation of Contractor to keep expenditures to a 40 minimum upon notice of such postponement, abandonment or termination, Contractor shall be entitled to receive those items of compensation that have been earned (including any retainage withheld therefrom) by the performance of the Services as of the date such notice is received by Contractor, as well as the reimbursement of any reasonable expenses incurred by Contractor in connection with the orderly termination of the Services.
 
17.5         Force Majeure . Contractor shall not be required to perform any term, condition or covenant in this Contract so long as such performance is delayed or prevented by Force Majeure. The term "Force Majeure" as used herein shall mean any cause not reasonably within the control of Contractor (other than the inability to make monetary payments) and which by the exercise of due diligence Contractor is unable, wholly or in part, to prevent or overcome, including without limitation, acts of God, terrorism, strikes, lockouts, boycotts, material or labor restrictions by any governmental authority and civil riot. Contractor shall give prompt written notice to Owner of any such event or circumstance of Force Majeure, and each party shall cooperate in good faith with the other to minimize and mitigate the impact of any such event or occurrence and do all things commercially reasonable under the circumstances to achieve such goal.
 
 
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ARTICLE XVIII
OWNER EVENT OF DEFAULT; CONTRACTOR REMEDIES
 
18.1         Owner Events of Default . An " Owner Event of Default " will exist under this Contract if:
 
(a)    Owner fails to transfer to Contractor or its Affiliates any customer payments for the sale of the Nixon Product sent to Owner that (i) are owed to Contractor or its Affiliates under any Contract Document or (ii) are subject to the accounting of Owner or its Affiliates under any Contract Document within two (2) Business Days of receipt of such payments by Owner;
 
(b)    Owner fails to comply with any material term of any Contract Document (except for a default described under Section 18.1(a)), and that noncompliance continues for thirty (30) days after the first date that Contractor notifies Owner in writing of its noncompliance;
 
(c)    any Obligor (other than Owner) fails to comply with any material term of any Contract Document, and that noncompliance continues for thirty (30) days after the first date that Contractor notifies the Obligor in writing of its noncompliance;
 
(d)    Owner (i) executes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) becomes or is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, (iii) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, (iv) applies for or consents to the appointment of a conservator, receiver, trustee, or liquidator of Owner or of all or any substantial part of its assets, (v) files a voluntary petition seeking reorganization or an arrangement with creditors or to seek any other relief under any Debtor Relief Laws, (vi) files an answer admitting the material allegations of or consenting to, or defaults in, a petition filed against it in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws, or (vii) institutes or voluntarily becomes a party to any other judicial proceedings intended to effect a discharge of its debts, in whole or in part, or seeking to postpone the maturity or the collection of any of its debts or to suspend any of the rights of Contractor or any of its Affiliates under any of the Contact Documents;
 
(e)    any Person files a petition seeking reorganization of Owner or appointing a conservator, receiver, trustee or liquidator of Owner or of a substantial part of its assets and the petition is not discharged within ninety (90) days after its filing;
 
(f)    a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order, judgment or decree approving the reorganization of Owner or appointing a conservator, receiver, trustee or liquidator of Owner or of a substantial part of its assets, and the order, judgment or decree is not permanently stayed or reversed within sixty (60) days after its entry;
 
(g)    any certification or representation of Owner or any other party (other than Contractor) in any Contract Document is determined by Contractor to have been false when made or deemed made and has a Material Adverse Effect;
 
(h)           any federal tax Lien or any other Liens totaling $100,000 or more arise of record against Owner, the Facility or the Site and are not fully bonded or discharged within thirty (30) days after Owner receives actual or constructive notice of their filing unless  (i) Owner is contesting the Lien(s) in good faith through appropriate proceedings timely filed and diligently prosecuted and against which Owner maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP and (ii) all such Liens are fully bonded or discharged within sixty (60) days after Owner receives actual or constructive notice of their filing;
 
 
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(i)           a judgment for more than $100,000 (or for any amount if the execution and enforcement of that judgment could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect) is entered against Owner and not appealed and bonded or fully stayed, vacated, paid or discharged within thirty (30) days of its entry unless the judgment relates to a claim (i) that is fully covered by insurance and for which the insurance company has unconditionally accepted liability or (ii) for which Owner maintains adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP;
 
(j)            Owner, any other Obligor or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors or members assert or allege that (i) any Contract Document is void, voidable, unenforceable or has otherwise ceased to be in full force and effect (except in accordance with its terms), (ii) Owner or any other Obligor is not bound by the Contract Documents in accordance with their terms, or (iii) any Lien contemplated by any of the Security Documents is void, voidable, unenforceable or has ceased to be perfected and/or to have the priority required by this Contract;
 
(k)           Owner fails to document to the satisfaction of Contractor, within ten (10) days of Closing, that any Lien on the Collateral (other than Permitted Encumbrances and Liens in favor of Contractor) have been released or fully subordinated to Contractor;
 
(1)           a Change of Control occurs; or
 
(m)          a Material Adverse Effect occurs.
 
provided that the events described in Sections 18.1(g) and Sections 18.1(l)-(m) will constitute an Owner Event of Default only if the event described is not remedied by Owner within ten (10) days after Contractor notifies Owner or any other Obligor, as applicable, in writing of the occurrence of the event.
 
18.2          Contractor Remedies Generally.
 
(a)    Upon an Insolvency . If an Owner Event of Default exists under any of Sections 18.1(d)-! 8.1(f) , then (i) Contractor's commitment to make any additional Advances will automatically terminate and (ii) all Obligations outstanding under this Contract and the other Contract Documents will automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are waived by Owner.
 
(b)    Following an Event of Default . If an Owner Event of Default exists under ARTICLE XVIII other than under Sections 18.1(d)-! 8.1(f) , Contractor may, by notice to Owner, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate Contractor's commitment to make any additional Advances and (ii) declare all Obligations outstanding under this Contract and the other Contract Documents immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration or other notice of any kind, all of which are waived by Owner.
 
(c)    Rights of Contractor . Following a termination of Contractor's commitments under Section 18.2(a) or 18.2(b) , Contractor may at any time exercise any or all of its rights arising under any of the Contract Documents, by operation of Law or otherwise (all of which will be cumulative), including the right of a secured party under the Code to peacefully enter upon any premises of the Facility and take possession pending foreclosure. No Marshalling: Use of Facility Pending Foreclosure: Etc . Contractor will have no obligation to preserve the rights of any other Person in or to the Collateral or to proceed against the Collateral in any particular order or to marshal any of the Collateral in any form for the benefit of any other creditor of Owner or any other Person. Owner grants to Contractor a royalty-free license or other right to use, at any time that an Owner Event of Default exists, Owner's labels, patents, copyrights, rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks and advertising matter, or any property of a similar nature related to the Collateral and necessary or convenient in connection with the Contractor preparing the Collateral for sale and advertising for and conducting one or more foreclosure sales, and Owner's rights under all licenses and any franchise, sales or distribution agreements will inure to Contractor's benefit.
 
 
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18.3          Set-Off Rights . If an Owner Event of Default exists, Contractor may, at any time and from time to time, set off and apply against the Obligations any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) or other amounts at any time credited by or owing from Contractor or its Affiliates or any depositary to Owner, whether or not the Obligations are then due. Contractor will provide notice to Owner within ten (10) days following the application of any funds under this Section 18.3 .
 
18.4          All Rights and Remedies are Cumulative .  Each of the rights and remedies of Contractor under this Contract and the other Contract Documents is cumulative and non- exclusive of any other rights or remedies it may have under any other agreement, by operation of Law, at equity or otherwise.
 
18.5          Contractor Termination Right . Contractor shall have the right to terminate this Contract by written notice to Owner at any time in its sole and absolute discretion if (a) Contractor determines that the amount of funds necessary to complete the Project and provide the Services will be in excess of the Funding Amount Limit or (b) upon termination of that certain Forbearance Agreement, dated of even date herewith, by and among 1 st International Bank, Owner, Jonathan P. Carroll, Gina L. Carroll, Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, GEL and Contractor. After termination of this Contract by Contractor:
 
(a)    Contractor and Owner shall execute a forbearance agreement in the form set forth as Exhibit J attached hereto;
 
(b)    Contractor shall be entitled to receive payment of all Obligations in full, including, but not limited to, (i) those items of compensation that have been earned (including any retainage withheld therefrom) by the performance of the Services as of the date notice of termination by Contractor is received by Owner and (ii) the reimbursement of any reasonable expenses incurred by Contractor in connection with the orderly termination of the Services;
 
(c)    all Liens in favor of Contractor shall remain in full force and effect until the release of such Liens pursuant to Section 9.2 ; and
 
(d)    upon the payment of the Obligations in accordance with Section 18.5(a) , Owner shall have no further obligations to Contractor or its Affiliates under this Contract.
 
ARTICLE XIX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
19.1          Further Assurances . The Parties shall, from time to time, execute and deliver such additional instruments, documents, conveyances or assurances and take such other actions as shall be necessary, or otherwise reasonably be requested by each other, (i) to confirm and assure the rights and obligations provided for in this Contract and the Contract Documents, (ii) to create, perfect and maintain Contractor's Liens on the Facility in a first-priority position subject only to Permitted Encumbrances and (iii) render effective the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, or otherwise to carry out the intent and purposes of this Contract.
 
19.2          Form of Documents . In all instances where this Contract or any other Contract Document requires Owner to (or to cause another Person to) prepare, execute or deliver any document to Contractor, the document will be in form and substance satisfactory to Contractor.
 
 
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19.3          Confidentiality; Permitted Disclosures.
 
(a)           For as long as this Contract is in effect and for twelve months thereafter, unless disclosure is authorized under Section 19.3(b) or 19.3(c) :
 
(i)           Owner will keep confidential the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents and
 
(ii)           Contractor will keep confidential all agreements, documents, certificates, reports, and other information delivered to it by Owner under this Contract.
 
(b)           Notwithstanding that Section 19.3(a) would otherwise require it to maintain such information in confidence, Owner and Contractor may disclose confidential information described in Section 19.3(a) :
 
(i)           where the disclosure is required by Law; provided , that, to the extent practicable and if the disclosing party can lawfully do so, it first gives prompt written notice of the planned disclosure to the other party to enable it to seek a protective order or other remedy;
 
(ii)           if the information becomes known to the disclosing party through a source that is not subject to a confidentiality obligation with respect to that same information;
 
(iii)           in connection with any court or arbitration proceeding to enforce or interpret any of the Contract Documents;
 
(iv)           to their respective attorneys, accountants, engineers and other advisors and consultants if (A) the disclosure of the confidential information is reasonably necessary to facilitate their representation of a Party and (B) prior to disclosure, the disclosing Party makes the recipient aware of (and obtains, for the express benefit of the Party to whom the confidentiality obligation is owed, the recipient's agreement to comply with) the confidentiality obligations imposed by this Section 19.3 .
 
(c)           In addition, and notwithstanding that Section 19.3(a) would otherwise require it to maintain such information in confidence, Contractor may disclose confidential information described in Section 19.3(a)(T) :
 
(i)           to create, perfect, maintain or continue any Lien in favor of Contractor under any of the Contract Documents;
 
(ii)           in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy of Contractor under the Contract Documents or under any Law, including the publication of notices related to any public or private foreclosure sale;
 
(iii)           to potential investors, Contractors, participants, assignees and  investment bankers, lenders, and their respective attorneys, accountants, engineers and other advisors and consultants; or
 
(iv)           to provide notice of the terms and conditions of this Agreement to  third parties as set forth in Section 19.5 .
 
(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the information protected by this Section 19.3 will not include, and Contractor may disclose to any Person at any time, without restrictions of any kind, any information with respect to the "tax treatment" and "tax structure" (in each case, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4) of the transactions contemplated by this Contract and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to the tax treatment and tax structure; provided that, if any document to be disclosed under this Section 19.3(d) contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of the transaction as well as other information, this Section 19.3(d) will apply only to the portions of the document that relates to the tax treatment or tax structure.
 
 
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19.4          Preservation of Liability . Neither this Contract nor the exercise by Contractor of (or the failure to so exercise) any right, power or remedy conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Obligor from liability on the Obligations and for any deficiency thereon.
 
19.5          Binding Effect; Duration . The rights and obligations set forth under this Contract are obligations that run with the land so as to be forever binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns. Owner hereby agrees that Contractor may file appropriate documentation in the real county records of any jurisdiction as deemed necessary in the sole discretion of Contractor to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Contract.
 
19.6          Notices . Any record, notice, demand or document which a Party is required or may desire to give hereunder shall be in writing and, except to the extent provided in the other provisions of this Contract, given by messenger, facsimile or other electronic transmission, or United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at its address and telecopy number shown below, or at such other address as such Party shall have furnished to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision:
 
If to Contractor, to:
 
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, TX 77002
Attention:      Karen Pape
Telephone:     (713) 860-2500
Facsimile:        (713) 860-2640
E-Mail:  karen.pape@genlp.com
 
If to Owner, to:
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300
Houston, Texas 77027
Attention:      Jonathan Carroll, Manager
Telephone:     (713) 850-0513
Facsimile:       (713) 850-0520
E-Mail:   JCarroll@LazarusEnergy.com
 
 
46

 
 
19.7         Choice of Law . THIS CONTRACT HAS BEEN MADE IN AND THE SECURITY INTEREST GRANTED HEREBY IS GRANTED IN AND EACH SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS (EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION GOVERN THE PERFECTION AND PRIORITY OF THE SECURITY INTEREST GRANTED HEREBY) WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.
 
19.8         Dispute Resolution . Any and all disputes between the parties pursuant or relating to this Contract shall be governed by and subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement. This Contract shall be subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement in all respects, and the terms and provisions of the Dispute Resolution Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference.
 
19.9          Amendment and Waiver . Except as set forth in Section 2.13 , this Contract may not be amended (nor may any of its terms be waived) except by a written document signed by the Parties, stating that it is intended to amend this Contract.
 
19.10   Severability . If any provision of this Contract is rendered or declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by a judicial decision which shall have become final, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of this Contract which shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
 
19.11   Survival of Agreements . All representations and warranties of Owner herein, and all covenants and agreements herein not fully performed before the Closing Date, shall survive such date.
 
19.12   Counterparts . This Contract may be executed in two or more counterparts, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures of all parties hereto be contained on any one counterpart hereof. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
19.13   Successors and Assigns . The terms of this Contract shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties and their respective successors or heirs, assigns and personal representatives. Owner shall not in any way assign or otherwise transfer the obligations or the benefits of this Contract without the prior written consent of Contractor, and any attempt by Owner to do any of the foregoing without Contractor's prior written consent shall be void and of no effect. No such assignment or transfer with the consent of Contractor will, however, operate to release Owner from any of its obligations and liabilities hereunder.
 
19.14   Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections . All titles or headings to articles, sections, subsections or other divisions of this Contract are only for the convenience of the parties and shall not be construed to have any effect or meaning with respect to the other content of such articles, sections, subsections or other divisions, such other content being controlling as to the agreement between the parties hereto.
 
 
47

 
 
19.15   Interest . It is the intention of the parties hereto to comply strictly to usury laws applicable to Contractor. Interest on any debt of Owner to Contractor is expressly limited so that in no contingency or event whatsoever shall the interest taken, reserved, contracted for, charged or received by Contractor exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable law. If from any circumstances whatsoever fulfillment of any provisions of this Contract or any of the other Security Documents or of any other document evidencing, securing or pertaining to such debt, at the time performance of such provision shall be due, would be usurious under applicable law, then, ipso facto, the obligation to be fulfilled shall be reduced to the limit of such validity so that the aggregate consideration which constitutes interest that is contracted for, taken, reserved, charged for, or received shall not exceed the maximum amount allowed by applicable law and such amount that would otherwise be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of any principal amount owing under this Contract or on account of any other debt of Owner to Contractor, or if the principal under this Contract and such other debt has been paid in full, refunded to Owner. In determining whether or not the interest paid or agreed to be paid for the use, forbearance, or detention of sums hereunder exceeds the maximum amount permissible under applicable law, Owner and Contractor shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread the total amount of interest throughout the full term of such debt so that the actual rate of interest on account of such debt does not exceed the highest lawful rate permitted by applicable law, and/or (d) allocate interest between portions of such debt, to the end that no such portion shall bear interest at a rate greater than that permitted by applicable law
 
19.16   Knowledge . Where any statement is made "to Owner's knowledge," it is made to the best of Owner's knowledge, after making due inquiry to those Persons within Owner's organization and among Owner's consultants and contractors who are best situated to have information bearing on the statement made.
 
19.17   Joint Drafting . Owner acknowledges that it and its legal counsel have actively participated in the drafting and negotiation of the Contract Documents and, as such, each of the Contract Documents will be construed as having been jointly drafted by Owner and Contractor.
 
19.18   This Contract Controls if Terms Conflict . In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and any other Contract Document, the terms of this Contract will control.
 
19.19   Acknowledgment of Exculpatory Provisions . Owner acknowledges that it (a) has had the benefit of independent legal counsel of its choosing in connection with the drafting and negotiation of the Contract Documents, (b) has consulted (or had ample opportunity to consult) with its legal counsel with respect to all of the Contract Documents prior to Closing, (c) has a duty to read—and has in fact read—each of the Contract Documents prior to executing them at Closing, (d) is fully informed and has notice of all of the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents. Owner further acknowledges that the Contract Documents obligate Owner to assume liability for and indemnify Contractor and other Persons against certain liabilities—including, in some instances, liabilities that arise from the negligence of Contractor and/or those other Persons. Owner agrees that it will not contest the validity or enforceability of any exculpatory provision in this Contract or the other Contract Documents on the basis that it had no notice or knowledge of the provision or that the provision is not "conspicuous."
 
19.20      FINAL AGREEMENT . THIS AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN AND THEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
 
 
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.]
 
 
48

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the date first written above.
 
  OWNER:  
     
  LAZARUS ENERGY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
 
     
   
 
 
49

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the date first written above.
 
  CONTRACTOR:  
     
 
MILAM SERVICES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
     
   
 
 
50

 
 
EXHIBIT A

Additional Equipment
 
Section
Item of Equipment
Crude unit
Replace Crude change line from TK-53 & TK-54 to P-20t A/B
Desalter
a.      Desalter Internals
b.      Desalter water exchanger E-212
c.      Desalter Transformer
d.      Desalter skid piping
Pumps-Crude, Bender unit & utilities
Crude unit, product loading, crude unloading, tank farm, sump pumps and utility area pumps.
Tank Farm
Crude, product and chemicals storage tanks
API Oil-Water Separator
API Oil-Water separator
Caustic Storage tank
Caustic storage and dosing facility for LPG caustic wash & bender unit.
Utilities-Package Boiler
Package Boiler
Utilities-Instrument Air
Air compressor
Fire Water Network
Plant area and tank farm area fire water network
Plant Instrumentation -Crude unit, Bender Unit & tank farm
Crude unit, product leading, crude unloading, tank farm, and utility area instrumentation
Plant Electrical-Crude unit, Bender Unit, tank farm, MCC & Control room
All pumps, compressor motors, MCC, switch gear, switch yard area and plant lighting
Mechanical Maintenance-Plant & utilities
Various lines, fittings, valves, Gaskets
Control Room
DCS Maintenance, HVAC
Crude Unit
Insulation
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT B
 
Civil Survey Plan
 
See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT C
 
Clarification and Description of Services
 
Subject to the other provisions of the Contract, Contractor shall manage or perform, as applicable, the development of the Project, including, but not limited to, the following services and work listed below. All capitalized terms not herein defined shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Contract.
 
1.             Design and Engineering . Contractor shall oversee the development of the design details for the Project, including but not limited to the Design and Construction Specifications. A copy of all design materials, other than the Design and Construction Specifications, generated by any Personnel to perform the Services shall be provided to Owner for placement with Owner's records, and Contractor shall retain such original counterparts of such design materials as may be reasonable or necessary to facilitate the completion of the final design (or subsequent revisions to the final design) in accordance with the Design and Construction Specifications.
 
2.             Procurement . Contractor shall procure all materials required for the completion of the Project.
 
3.             Location and Surveys . Contractor shall:
 
(a)   
Determine of the location of the Additional Equipment, in accordance with the Legal Description of the Facility Site and the Design and Construction Specifications; and
 
(b)   
Prepare or cause to be prepared preliminary construction staking and as-built surveys, in accordance with the Civil Survey Plan.
 
4.             Reporting . Contractor shall coordinate the preparation of reports on the status of the progress of the Project, which reports shall include cost reporting and forecasting for upcoming Services and work performed in connection with the Project.
 
5.             Administration and Oversight . Contractor shall perform administrative functions in connection with the performance of its obligations under the Contract, including:
 
(a)    
Supervising Subcontractors' development of a high-level project plan with respect to the Project in accordance with the Contract Time parameters determined solely by Contractor;
 
(b)    
The identification of counterparties and oversight over negotiations for all contracts related to the Project;
 
(c)    
Assisting and advising Personnel with respect to safety matters associated with the development of the Project; and
 
(d)    
Providing oversight over the Project to ensure completion in accordance with Applicable Law and the requirements of the Project Documents.
 
 
 

 
 
6.             Public Relations . Contractor shall assist Owner to establish and maintain good relations within the community and shall notify Owner of any activities that may affect the business and operations of Owner.
 
7.             Environmental Reports; Testing . Contractor shall be responsible for the following environmental and testing matters related to the Project:
 
(a)    
Preparation of any necessary environmental reports and related testing deemed reasonably necessary by Contractor relating to the Project; and
 
(b)    
Inspection of the construction, assembly and installation of the Additional Equipment to ensure compliance with Environmental and Safety Regulations and Environmental Laws.
 
8.             Land Management . Contractor shall consult with Owner regarding any title matters associated with the Project.
 
9.             Personnel . Contractor shall identify and engage Personnel to perform all activities required in connection with the Project. Contractor shall be responsible for the management, coordination, and supervision of all Project activities undertaken by Personnel engaged by Contractor.
 
10.    Contracting . Contractor shall negotiate such contracts (including, without limitation, purchase orders) with such Persons as may be reasonable or necessary in accordance with the development of the Project. Contractor shall also administer all agreements with counterparties performing tasks in connection with the Project, including without limitation:
 
(a)    
Compliance with insurance requirements established by Owner from time to time;
 
(b)    
Review of all invoices submitted by those counterparties;
 
(c)    
Preparation of payment for all, or specified portions of, invoiced costs;
 
(d)    
Delivery of Lien waivers or releases, in form and substance acceptable to Contractor in its sole discretion, to lenders under a credit agreement or a title company issuing an owner's or mortgagee's title insurance policy, as may be applicable; and
 
(e)    
Providing assistance to Owner at Owner's sole cost with regard to Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local taxes (including excise and sales taxes) applicable to the Project.
 
11.          Other Services . Contractor shall perform such other functions and services necessary to carry out its responsibilities under the Contract as are mutually agreed upon by Owner and Contractor.
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT D
 
Design and Construction Specifications
 
The Design and Construction Specifications for the Project are set forth on the following requests for quotations attached hereto.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
CUSTODY TRANSFER TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
CUSTODY TRANSFER TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the custody transfer task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on ___________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below,
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.

SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the custody transfer task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
Clean Product Rack
1.
Refurbish and install 6 AO Smith meters owned by the refinery
2.
Supply 4 loading arms
3.
Install 7 loading arms (the 4 supplied plus another 3 already owned by the refinery)
 
 
 

 
 
LPG/Heavy Product Rack
1.
Refurbish and install 2 AO Smith meters
 
Please indicate whether refurbishment will be a site or shop task.
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
   Project name
   Location and project costs
   A brief description of the project
   The Contractor's role in the project
   Roles of key Contractor members in the project
   A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
 
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety appare! and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment {H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
DESALTER TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
DESALTER TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC (TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Desalter task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on___________ , 2011 . They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC,
PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981 , is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Desalter task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
Desalter internals
1.
Replace desalter internals such as entrance bushings, support insulators, grid and grid supports.
 
 
 

 
 
Desalter instrumentation
1.
Fix desalter instrumentation and inspect and test control system and valves
 
Desalter transformer
1.
Inspect and check transformer oil and startup of transformer after preliminary checks for open air test
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members In the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5.
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7.
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied sen/ices. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
ELECTRICAL TASK AREA

Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
ELECTRICAL TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Electrical task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on __________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC,
PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
 
 

 
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Electrical task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
Scope
1.      Replace feeders for P-201 B
2.    Replace feeders at crude charge pump
3.    Replace one set of feeders coming from transformer to main breaker
4.    Replace breaker at lack abc 70 amp breaker
5.    Replace feeders at lack abc # 6 AWG THW
6.    Replace feeders for P-1 B
7.     Replace transformer inside of lighting disconnect 3 kva 1 phase 480 to 240
8.     Replace T & T lack breaker 50 amps
9.     West Crude Lighting Improvements
10.   Replace wire to South Tank Area Switch-rack
11.   Replace 600amp Main @ South Tank Rack
12.   Check conduit, wire terminations
13.   Test power and control wiring @ South Tank Rank
14.   Re-feed P-12 power and controls
15.   Provide power and control to IR system
16.   Re-feed foam/deluge system
17.   Disconnect and re-connect (15) pumps
18.   Connect Skully grounding system
19.   Commission Clean Product Loading Rack
20.   Install new lighting @ Clean Product Rack
21.   Install power to Flare System
22.   Install High Level Alarm @ Knock-out drum
23.   Recommission 5 area floods
24.   Improve process area lighting
 
 
 

 
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members In the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5.
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7.
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
EXCHANGER TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
EXCHANGER TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Exchanger task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on ___________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left comer. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.

SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Exchanger task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
E-212
1.
Shop refurbishment of desalter water exchanger E-212
 
 
 

 
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5.
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7.
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 

SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work, Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
EXCHANGER TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
EXCHANGER TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC {"TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the fire water task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M.  on  __________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC,
PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the fire water task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
Fire water loop
1.
Replace the existing fire water underground main with new header around process area only (as indicated in accompanying marked-up drawings)
a.       8" plastic pipe
b.      Approximately 12 new isolation valves + replace all existing valves
c.      Thrust blocks as required
d.      Minimum depth required to be below frost line 2. Repair any damaged monitors and hydrants; relocate/add monitors as indicated in accompanying marked-up drawings
 
 
 

 
 
New Foam System for CP rack
1.
Foam coverage for 3 loading rack bays
2.
Automatic activation via flame detection
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
 
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5.
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7.
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H Z S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
INSTRUMENTATION TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due: ___________ , 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
INSTRUMENTATION TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Instrumentation task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on __________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left comer. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Instrumentation task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
Scope
1.
Test and repair (as needed) all control loops, instruments, control valves, and controllers needed for operation of the crude unit and related equipment in Base Case configuration (Approximately 130 loops, as shown on the accompanying
instrumentation lists).
2. 
Install 3 new instrument loops as shown in accompanying instrumentation lists.
3.
Restart FoxBoro SPEC-200 control system
 
 
 

 
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 
 

 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. Ail such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation, Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
INSULATION TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
INSULATION TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Insulation task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on __________ , 2011 . They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left comer. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Insulation task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
 
 

 

Major equipment insulation
1.
Repair all major areas of damaged and missing insulation in crude unit
 
Minor insulation repair
1.
Repair/patch inspection holes and other minor damage in insulated areas
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
PIPING AND MECHANICAL TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
PIPING AND MECHANICAL TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the piping and mechanical task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .

For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the piping and mechanical task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements;
 
 
 

 
 
Crude line replacement
1.
Replace existing corroded line from T-53 and T-54 to crude charge pumps
2. 
Install new 10" line using pipe already purchased and at the refinery (route and distances shown on marked-up drawings)
a.      About 1450 feet above ground routing with 3 90-degree bends
b.      Use existing pipe rack as much as possible
 
Process line reclamation
1.
Return all process lines used in temporary fire water system (as noted on accompanying sheet) to prior service
 
Miscellaneous other piping
1.
Make water and injection line connections for chemical additive injection into crude tower and desalter
2.
Make water, steam, and fuel connections for rental boiler
3.
Run new 3" or 4" waste water line above ground from D-61 underground water tank at CP rack to waste water tank or waste water plant. Existing 4" line is underground and goes to existing oil water separator
4.
Replace (as necessary) 2" desalter skid piping to and from E-212
5.
Pipe desalter water directly to Tank 51 (waste water settling tank)
6.
Provide and connect new 1000 gallon knockout drum for CP rack flare
7.
Connect PSVs on T-80 and T-81 to plant flare header
 
Welding and metal work
1.
Make minor repairs to heater convection section end covers. Covers are corroded in spots where cover meets heater
 
Mechanical
1.
Remove and decouple 10 pumps
2.
Install, couple, align, and test 10 pumps
3.
Pull E-203 naphtha P/A to crude exchanger pancake blinds and put in service
4. 
Replace 1 V*   drain valve on shell side of E-206A&B diesel P/A to crude exchanger
5.
Pull E-206A&B diesel P/A to crude exchanger pancake blinds and put in sen/ice
6.
Install and reconnect E-212 desalter water exchanger
 
Hydro
 
 
 

 
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
PUMP TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:_____________ , 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
PUMP TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the pump task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on ________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home,com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the pump task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
1.
Rebuild 15 pumps with current (single) seals as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
2.
Rebuild 10 pumps with new double seals as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
3.
Supply (used or new) 1 pump as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
4.
Rebuild 1 compressor as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
 
 
 

 
 
All of this will be performed as shop work at your facility.
 
This work should include all tasks that are standard and customary, such as:
Disassembly, cleaning, blasting, and inspection (including NDT as required)
Fabrication of case rings and steady bearings
Balancing of rotating elements or impellers
Installation of mechanical seal (repaired where possible)
Installation of required bearings, lip seals, and gaskets
Reassembly with new fasteners and/or coupling bolts
Seal flush tubing, sight gauges, and oilers as appropriate
Painting
 
Please indicate what work will be performed for each pump or other piece of equipment
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
   
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
 
 

 
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with ail applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation, Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
TANK TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
TANK TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the tank task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on __________, 2011. They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left comer. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery, The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refinery Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the tank task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
1.
Clean 4 tanks as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
2.
Inspect 6 tanks as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet.
3.
Make repairs to 3 tanks based on previous inspection reports as shown in the accompanying spreadsheet and inspection reports.
 
Please indicate what work will be performed for each tank and which work you are bidding on (cleaning, inspection, or repairs)
 
 
 

 
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5. 
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7. 
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1.
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment (H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel,
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
NIXON REFINERY
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
WASTEWATER TASK AREA
 
Quotations Due:____________, 2011
 
TDC, LLC
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
REFINERY RESTART PROJECT
WASTEWATER TASK AREA
 
TDC, LLC ("TDC") is soliciting quotations from qualified Contractors to provide equipment and engineering, construction, Installation, and commissioning services for the restart of the Nixon Refinery located in Nixon, Texas. This RFQ covers the Wastewater task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
 
Completed quotations for the requested work must be submitted on or before 5:00 P.M. on ___________, 2011 . They can be emailed to awoods@tdc-home.com or mailed to TDC, PO Box 789, Westlake, LA 70669. Quotations mailed shall be sent in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: "Quotation - Nixon Refinery Restart Project" in the lower left corner. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Al Woods, Project Manager, by email only at awoods@tdc-home.com .
 
For specific instructions on information to include in the Quotation, refer to the section below entitled Quotation Elements. Evaluation of the Quotations and ultimate Contractor selection is described in the section entitled Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria below.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
TDC is in the midst of redeveloping the Nixon Refinery. The Nixon Refinery, originally constructed in 1981, is a small, simple refinery. The refinery's design throughput is 12,500 barrels per day; it consists of a crude distillation unit, a naphtha stabilizer and depropanizer, treating and ancillary systems, crude and product tankage, and custody transfer equipment.
 
The goal of the Refiner/ Restart Project is to make the crude unit safely operational and capable of producing straight run naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoil, and resid at 10,000 barrels per day with the minimum work, time, cost and equipment required.

SCOPE OF WORK
 
The Scope of Work for the Wastewater task area will include, at a minimum, the following elements:
 
 
 

 

API Separator
1.
Supply/install new above ground API oil-water separator
a.      Connected to pre-API T-51 upstream
b.      Connected to 2 parallel 1000 barrel discharge tanks downstream
2.
Sized for 3-5% of charge rate of 10,000 bpd = 15 gpm
 
QUOTATION ELEMENTS
 
Each quotation should present the Contractor qualifications for this task area of the project and shall identify the following (some items may be not applicable for offsite work or Contractors which only provide equipment):
1.
Key Contractor personnel
2.
Expertise and experience with similar projects. Include the following:
  Project name
  Location and project costs
  A brief description of the project
  The Contractor's role in the project
  Roles of key Contractor members in the project
  A project reference and contact phone number
3.
A copy of the Contractor's Safety Policy and the Contractor's safety record.
4.
The Contractor's approach to this task area of the Refinery Restart Project.
5.
The Contractor's anticipated project schedule or timeline or time required for this task area.
6.
The Contractor's approach to coordinating TDC and other contractors.
7.
The Contractor's process/procedures for providing quality assurance/quality control through out the life of the project.
8.
Qualifications of key project team members and their availability.
9.
A description of experience in working on small refinery or similar projects
 
SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
 
TDC and its partners will evaluate and rate the quotations following these criteria:
1. 
Estimated cost and schedule/time requirements; these should be as specific as possible; the more transparent (e.g. open book costing plus a fixed margin) and predictable (e.g. firm or lump sum bids) a bid is, the higher it will be rated; it is acceptable to offer both lump sum and time and materials based alternatives
2.
Project team qualifications and experience with similar projects
3.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Plan
4.
Safety and environmental compliance procedures
 
Following evaluation of the Proposals, TDC will interview up to the three (3) of the prospective consultants to provide engineering and construction services. Those Contractors selected for interview will have the opportunity to present their past experience in refinery project experience and overall project approach.
 
 
 

 
 
SELECTION SCHEDULE
 
The proposed schedule for Contractor selection, subject to change, is as follows:
1.
Deadline for Submittal of Quotations ____________ , 2011
2.
Preliminary Selection of Contractors ____________ , 2011
3.
Final Selection ____________, 2011
4.
Complete contracting ____________, 2011
5.
Begin work ____________, 2011
 
CONTRACTING
Upon selection, TDC and the selected Contractors will enter into a binding contract to complete the Scope of Work. Such contract will include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
 
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All safety apparel and equipment required for Contractor personnel performing the work, including, but not limited to, hard hats, respirators, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, safety gloves, fire extinguishers, personal hydrogen sulfide detection equipment {H 2 S monitors), flame resistant clothing, ear plugs, welder's gloves and the like, shall be furnished by Contractor at no additional cost or expense to TDC. All such safety equipment shall meet the standards of applicable regulatory agencies.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, municipal ordinances and all orders, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, and where applicable, all provisions required thereby to be included herein and hereby incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and any other applicable legislation or regulation. Contractor agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold TDC harmless from any loss, damage, or liability resulting from Contractor's breach thereof.
 
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors shall provide evidence of suitable insurance with TDC and Lazarus Energy, LLC listed as named insureds.
 
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL
Contractor shall provide competent, experienced, and qualified personnel at the Work Site in the numbers and labor classifications necessary to perform the Work. Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and compensating Contractor personnel. Contractor shall ensure that all such Contractor personnel continue in the functions and responsibilities initially assigned for as long as required to achieve proper and timely completion of the Work. Contractor shall at all times maintain strict discipline and good order among Contractor personnel.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TDC reserves the right to reject any and all Quotations and to waive irregularities and informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and submission of Quotations. This solicitation does not obligate TDC to accept or contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, TDC reserves the right to award the contract to the next most qualified Contractor if the selected Contractor does not execute a contract within thirty (30) days after the award of work.
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT E
 
List of Equity Holders
 
 
Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC is the sole owner of all Equity Interests of Owner.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT F
 
Form of Subordination Agreement
 
 
See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
 
THIS INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT (this " Agreement ") is made and entered into as of August 12, 2011, by and among, a ____________________, whose address is ________________, (" Second Lien Holder "), Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77027 (" Company "), and Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77002 (" Senior Creditor "). Each of Second Lien Holder, Company and Senior Creditor may be referred to in this Agreement individually as " Party " or collectively " Parties ."
 
RECITALS:
 
WHEREAS, Company and Senior Creditor are parties to that certain Construction and Funding Contract (as amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time, the " Construction Contract "):
 
WHEREAS, Company's obligations to Senior Creditor under the Construction Contract are secured by a senior lien and first-priority security interest in all of the personal property of Company; and
 
WHEREAS, a condition precedent of the Construction Contract is the subordination of all obligations owed by Company to Second Lien Holder to the obligations owed by Company to Senior Creditor under the Construction Contract and the other Contract Documents.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, to comply with the terms and conditions of the Construction Contract and for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1        Definitions Contained in the Construction Contract . Unless otherwise defined herein or context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to those terms in the Construction Contract.
 
1.2        Certain Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
 
" Agreement " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph and includes any amendment, modification or restatement of this Agreement.
 
" Avoidable Transfer " means a transfer of money or property that is avoided under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable law.
 
" Bankruptcy Code " means the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. §101 et seq.), as amended from time to time.
 
 
 

 

" Company " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.
 
" Construction Contract " has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.

" Liens " means any interest in property (real or personal) securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and whether such obligation or claim is fixed or contingent, and including but not limited to (a) the lien or security interest arising from a mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes or (b) production payments and the like payable out of oil and gas properties and the Properties. The term " Lien " shall include easements, restrictions, servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations.
 
" Property " or " Properties " means all real and personal property of Company, whether now owned or later acquired, including but not limited to all Personal Property.
 
" Second Lien Holder " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.
 
"Senior Creditor " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.
 
" Senior Documents " means the Construction Contract and any other Contract Documents.
 
" Senior Obligations " means all obligations of Company to Senior Creditor under the Construction Contract and the Contract Documents, whether now existing or hereafter created or arising.
 
" Subordinated Documents " means all of the documents evidencing the Subordinated Obligations and any amendment, modification or extension thereto.
 
" Subordinated Obligations " means any and all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of Company to Second Lien Holder, including but not limited to any loans or other extensions of credit, any shares, warrants or other equity interests, whether absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, joint, several or independent, now outstanding or owing or which may hereafter be existing or incurred, arising by operation of law or otherwise, due or to become due, or held or to be held by Second Lien Holder, whether created directly or acquired by assignment, as a participation, conditionally, as collateral security from another or otherwise, including indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of Company to Second Lien Holder as a member of any partnership, syndicate, association or other group, and whether incurred by Company as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor, accommodation party or otherwise, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of Company to Second Lien Holder arising out of any guaranty agreement, operating agreement or similar agreement between Second Lien Holder and Company.
 
 
 

 
 
1.3            Other Capitalized Terms . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in Section 1.2 shall have the meanings given them elsewhere in this Agreement.
 
1.4          Exhibits and Schedules . All exhibits and schedules attached to this Agreement are part of this Agreement for all purposes.
 
1.5          Amendment of Defined Instruments . Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise provided herein, the terms defined in this Agreement which refer to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments and restatements of such agreement, instrument or document. Nothing contained in this Section 1.5 will be construed to authorize any renewal, extension, modification, amendment or restatement.
 
1.6          References and Titles . All references in this Agreement to exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. The words "this Agreement," "this instrument," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases "this section" and "this subsection" and similar phrases refer only to the sections or subsections of this Agreement in which those phrases occur. The word "or" is not exclusive; the word "including" (in its various forms) means "including without limitation." Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall." Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained herein), (c) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word "from" means "from and including" and the word "to" means "to and including." No provision of this Agreement or any other Contract Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.
 
ARTICLE II
SUBORDINATION
 
2.1           Subordination of Obligations . The payment and performance of any and all Subordinated Obligations, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, are expressly subordinated to the Senior Obligations, to the extent and in the manner set forth in this Agreement and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Subordinated Documents, without regard to the date any loan or extension of credit is made to Company.
 
2.2           Subordination of Liens . Regardless of the time or order of attachment or the time, order or manner of perfection or the time or order of filing financing statements, mortgages, mechanic's and materialmen's liens or other security agreements or documents, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Subordinated Documents or any provision of the UCC or any other applicable law, any and all Liens on the assets of Company or any other obligor in favor of Senior Creditor, whether now existing or hereafter created or arising, shall in all respects be first and senior Liens to secure payment of the Senior Obligations and shall be superior in all respects to any and all Liens on any assets of Company or any other obligor (to the extent such obligor also grants a Lien in favor of Senior Creditor) in favor of Second Lien Holder, whether now existing or hereafter created or arising and Second Lien Holder hereby subordinates all of its Liens, whether now existing or hereafter created or arising, to the Liens in favor of Senior Creditor, whether now existing or hereafter created or arising.
 
 
 

 
 
ARTICLE III
SECOND LIEN HOLDER RESTRICTIONS; PRIORITY
 
3.1            Restrictions on Second Lien Holder .
 
(a)    Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 3.1(b) below, during such time as any Senior Obligations remain unpaid, Second Lien Holder will not ask for, demand, sue for, take, receive or accept from the Company or any obligor, by set off or in any other manner, any payment or distribution on account of any of the Subordinated Obligations, nor present any instrument evidencing any of the Subordinated Obligations for payment (other than such presentment as may be necessary to prevent discharge of other liable parties on such instrument).
 
(b)    Company may, however, pay to Second Lien Holder, and Second Lien Holder may receive and accept, amounts owed to Second Lien Holder in respect of the Subordinated Obligations if an Event of Default does not exist under the Senior Documents, from cash that Company is not otherwise required under the Senior Documents to pay to Senior Creditor in respect of any of the Senior Obligations.
 
(c)    Second Lien Holder agrees and acknowledges that (i) it has received from the Company a true and complete copy of each of the Senior Documents, (ii) it has reviewed or had the opportunity to review with its own counsel the Senior Documents, and (iii) it understands and appreciates the effect that the terms and conditions of the Senior Documents may have on Company's ability to repay the Subordinated Obligations.
 
3.2            Prohibition of All Payments Following an Event of Default . If for any reason any portion of the Senior Obligations is not paid when due, or if there shall occur and be continuing any event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default or Event of Default under the any of the Senior Documents, then, unless and until such default or Event of Default shall have been cured, or unless and until the Senior Obligations shall be paid in full, Second Lien Holder may not ask for, sue for, take, demand, receive or accept from Company or any obligor, by set off or in any other manner, any payment or distribution on account of the Subordinated Obligations nor present any instrument evidencing the Subordinated Obligations for payment (other than such presentment as may be necessary to prevent discharge of other liable parties on such instrument).
 
3.3    Payments Cannot Create a Default . Second Lien Holder will not ask for, demand, sue for, take, receive or accept from Company, by set off or in any other manner, any payment or distribution on account of the Subordinated Obligations, if the making of such payment would constitute, or would result in the occurrence of, a violation of the provisions of any Senior Document or would result in the occurrence of any event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default or an Event of Default under any Senior Document.
 
3.4    Unauthorized Receipt of Payment by Second Lien Holder . If Second Lien Holder shall receive any payment or distribution on account of the Subordinated Obligations which Second Lien Holder is not entitled to receive under this Agreement, Second Lien Holder will hold any amount so received in trust for Senior Creditor and will promptly (but in any event on or before the immediately following Business Day) turn over such payment to Senior Creditor in the form received by Second Lien Holder (together with any necessary endorsement) to be applied against the Senior Obligations.
 
 
 

 
 
3.5    Restrictions on Actions to Recover Subordinated Obligations . Until the Senior Obligations are irrevocably paid in full and Senior Creditor's commitment to provide any funding under the Construction Contract has been irrevocably terminated in writing, Second Lien Holder shall not, and shall not solicit, support or encourage any person or entity to, (a) contest or object to the validity, extent, perfection, priority or enforceability of any Lien granted with respect to the Senior Obligations, or (b) commence any action or proceeding against Company or any obligor to recover all or any part of the Subordinated Obligations or join with any other creditor in commencing or maintaining any such action or proceeding, unless Senior Creditor shall also join, in bringing any case, proceedings or other actions against Company or any obligor under any existing or future law or statute of any jurisdiction relating to bankruptcy, reorganization, adjustment of debt, arrangement of debt, assignment for the benefit of creditors, receivership, liquidation or insolvency (a " Proceeding "); provided , however , that in the event of any Proceeding, sale of all or substantially all of the assets, dissolution, liquidation, or any other marshaling of the assets and liabilities of Company or any obligor, Second Lien Holder may, if Senior Creditor shall not have already so requested it to do so as provided in Section 4.2 below, file any claim, proof of claim, proof of interest or other instrument of similar character necessary to preserve the rights of Second Lien Holder and the obligations of Company or any obligor, as applicable, in respect of and under the Subordinated Obligations.
 
3.6    Priority . Notwithstanding any failure by Senior Creditor to perfect any Lien with respect to the Senior Obligations or any avoidance, invalidation or subordination by any third party or court of competent jurisdiction of any Lien with respect to the Senior Obligations, the priority and rights as between Senior Creditor and the Second Lien Holder with respect to the Properties shall be as set forth herein.
 
3.7    Judgment Creditors . In the event that either of Senior Creditor or Second Lien Holder becomes a judgment Lien creditor in respect of Company's Properties as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor, such judgment Lien shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement for all purposes to the same extent as all other Liens securing the Senior Obligations (created pursuant to the Senior Documents) or Subordinated Obligations (created pursuant to the Subordinated Documents) subject to this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE IV
INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS
 
4.1    Effectiveness in Insolvency Proceedings . This Agreement, which the Parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a "subordination agreement" under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be effective before, during and after the commencement of a Proceeding. All references in this Agreement to Company shall include Company as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for Company in any Proceeding.
 
4.2    Insolvency or Bankruptcy by Company . In the event of any Proceeding, the sale of all or substantially all of the assets, dissolution, liquidation, or any other marshaling of the assets and liabilities of Company, and unless and until the Senior Obligations are irrevocably paid in full:
 
(a)    Second Lien Holder will, at Senior Creditor's request, file any claim, proof of claim, proof of interest or other instrument of similar character necessary to enforce the obligations of Company in respect of the Subordinated Obligations;
 
(b)    If Second Lien Holder shall fail to take any action of the type described in Section 4.2(a) above and as requested by Senior Creditor, Senior Creditor may, as attorney-in-fact for Second Lien Holder, take such action on behalf of Second Lien Holder;
 
 
 

 
 
(c)    Second Lien Holder hereby appoints Senior Creditor as such Second Lien Holder's agent and grants to Senior Creditor an irrevocable power of attorney coupled with an interest, and its proxy, for the purpose of exercising any and all rights and taking any and all actions available to Second Lien Holder in connection with any case by or against Company or any obligor in any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the right to (f)   prove and vote all claims and to receive and collect all dividends and payments to which the undersigned would be otherwise entitled, (if)   accept or reject to the extent to which Second Lien Holder would be entitled to accept or reject, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, extension, or composition in any such proceedings, and (iii) make any election under Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, Second Lien Holder will execute and deliver to Senior Creditor such further powers of attorney, assignments or other instruments as Senior Creditor may request in order to enable Senior Creditor to enforce any and all claims upon or with respect to any or all Subordinated Obligations and any of its other rights hereunder, and to collect and receive any and all payments or distributions which may be payable or deliverable at any time upon or with respect to any Subordinated Obligations;
 
(d)    No payment or distribution shall be made on account of any of the Subordinated Obligations, and Second Lien Holder will hold in trust for Senior Creditor and pay over to Senior Creditor, in the form received (with any necessary endorsements), to be applied to the Senior Obligations, any and all moneys, dividends, or other assets received in any Proceeding on account of the Subordinated Obligations; and
 
(e)           Second Lien Holder shall not request judicial relief that would hinder, delay, limit or prohibit the lawful exercise or enforcement of any right or remedy otherwise available to Senior Creditor, or oppose or otherwise contest any request for judicial relief made by Senior Creditor.
 
4.3           Rights of Parties in Insolvency Proceeding . In the event of any Proceeding, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
 
(a)    To the extent that Second Lien Holder has or acquires any rights under Section 362, 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Collateral, Second Lien Holder hereby agrees not to assert such rights without the prior written consent of Senior Creditor; provided that, if requested by Senior Creditor, Second Lien Holder shall seek to exercise such rights in the manner requested by Senior Creditor, including the rights in payments in respect of such rights. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, to the extent that Senior Creditor consents to Company's use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or Senior Creditor agrees to provide financing to Company under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code, Second Lien Holder hereby agrees not to impede, object to (on grounds of lack of adequate protection, or otherwise), or otherwise interfere with such use of cash collateral or financing.
 
(b)    Second Lien Holder specifically agrees that in connection with such cash collateral usage or such financing, Company (or a trustee appointed for the estate of Company) may grant to Senior Creditor, for the benefit of Senior Creditor, liens and security interests upon all or any part of the assets of Company, which liens and security interests: (i)   shall secure payments of all Senior Obligations (whether such Senior Obligations arose prior to the filing of a Proceeding or thereafter); and (ii)   shall be superior in priority to the liens on and security interests in the assets of Company held by Second Lien Holder.
 
(c)    Second Lien Holder (both in its capacity as a Second Lien Holder and in its capacity (if any) as a party which may be obligated to Company or their respective affiliates with respect to contracts which are part of Senior Creditor's Collateral) agrees not to initiate or prosecute or support or encourage any other person or entity to (i) initiate or prosecute any claim, action, objection or other proceeding (A) challenging the enforceability of the claim of Senior Creditor, (B) challenging the enforceability of any liens or security interests in any assets securing the Senior Obligations, or (C) asserting any claims which Company may hold with respect to Senior Creditor, or (ii)   file any pleadings or motions, take any position at any hearing or proceeding of any nature in contravention of this Agreement, or otherwise take any action whatsoever in contravention of this Agreement, in each case in respect of any of the Property.
 
 
 

 
 
(d)    Second Lien Holder agrees that it will not object to or oppose a sale or other disposition of any assets securing the Senior Obligations (or any portion thereof) free and clear of its security interests, liens or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code (provided that the lien and security interest of Second Lien Holder shall attach to the proceeds of such sale, and such lien and security interest shall be subject in all respects to the applicable provisions of this Agreement) if Senior Creditor has consented to such sale or disposition of such assets.
 
(e)    Second Lien Holder agrees not to assert any right it may have to "adequate protection" of its interest in the Collateral in any Proceeding and agrees that it will not seek to have the automatic stay lifted with respect to such security, without the prior written consent of Senior Creditor.
 
(f)    Second Lien Holder waives any claim it may now or hereafter have against Senior Creditor in any Proceeding of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, and/or out of any cash collateral arrangement, or financing arrangement, or out of any grant of a security interest, under Section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code, with or by Company, as a debtor-in-possession (or with or by any trustee for the Company). Second Lien Holder agrees that it will not, in any capacity whatsoever: (/') propose, vote to accept, or otherwise support confirmation of, a plan of reorganization opposed by Senior Creditor, or (if) object to the confirmation of, or otherwise oppose confirmation of, a plan of reorganization supported by Senior Creditor.
 
4.4     Avoidance Issues . If Senior Creditor is required in any Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of Company, because such amount was avoided or ordered to be paid or disgorged because it was found to be an Avoidable Transfer, any amount (a " Recovery "), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of set-off or otherwise, then the Senior Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred, unless a bankruptcy court finds that such Avoidable Transfer is the result of an intentional fraudulent act by Senior Creditor or conduct giving rise to equitable subordination by the Senior Creditor. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the Parties hereto. The Second Lien Holder agrees that it shall not be entitled to benefit from any Recovery relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such Recovery otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement; provided that, the Second Lien Holder may, but is not required to, defend any such action against the Senior Creditor.
 
4.5    Asset Dispositions in a Proceeding . If there is a sale or disposition of any assets of Company pursuant to a sale approved in or in connection with any Proceeding, each of Senior Creditor and Second Lien Holder shall retain their respective Liens in the proceeds of any such sale, which Liens shall attach to the sales proceeds in their relative priority as set forth in this Agreement.
 
4.6    No Waivers of Rights of Senior Creditor . Nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit Senior Creditor from objecting in any Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by Second Lien Holder, including the seeking by Second Lien Holder of adequate protection or the asserting by Second Lien Holder of any of its rights and remedies under the Subordinated Documents or otherwise.
 
(a)    Second Lien Holder hereby waives any requirement for marshaling of assets thereby in connection with any foreclosure of any security interest or any other realization upon collateral in respect of the Construction Contract, or any exercise of any rights of set-off or otherwise. Second Lien Holder and Senior Creditor assume all responsibility for keeping themselves informed as to the condition (financial or otherwise) of Company, the condition of all collateral securing the repayment of the Senior Obligations and other circumstances and, except for notices expressly required by this Agreement, neither Senior Creditor nor Second Lien Holder shall have any duty whatsoever to obtain, advise or deliver information or documents to the other relative to such condition, business, assets and/or operations. Second Lien Holder agrees that Senior Creditor owes no fiduciary duty to Second Lien Holder in connection with the administration of the Senior Obligations and the Senior Documents, and Second Lien Holder agrees not to assert any such claim.
 
 
 

 
 
(b)    No payment or distribution to Senior Creditor pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle Second Lien Holder to exercise any right of subrogation in respect thereof prior to the payment in full of the Senior Obligations, and Second Lien Holder agrees that prior to the satisfaction of all Senior Obligations, it shall not acquire, by subrogation or otherwise, any lien, estate, right or other interest in any portion of the collateral now securing the repayment of the Senior Obligations or the proceeds therefrom that is or may be prior to, or of equal priority to, any of the Senior Documents or the liens, rights, estates and interests created thereby.
 
ARTICLE V
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PARTIES
 
5.1          Senior Creditor's Rights . Senior Creditor may, at any time, and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to Second Lien Holder, without incurring responsibility to Second Lien Holder and without impairing or releasing any of Senior Creditor's rights or any of the obligations of Second Lien Holder under this Agreement:
 
(a)    Change the amount, manner, place or terms of payment, or change or extend for any period the time of payment of, or renew, rearrange or otherwise modify or alter, the Senior Obligations or any instrument or agreement now or hereafter executed evidencing, in connection with, as security for or providing for the issuance of any of the Senior Obligations in any manner, or enter into or amend in any manner any other agreement relating to the Senior Obligations (including provisions restricting or further restricting payments of the Subordinated Obligations);
 
(b)    Sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with all or any part of any property by whomsoever at any time pledged or mortgaged to secure, howsoever securing, any of the Senior Obligations;
 
(c)    Release any Person liable in any manner for payment or collection of the Senior Obligations;
 
(d)    Exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against Company or others (including Second Lien Holder); and
 
(e)    Apply any sums received by Senior Creditor, by whomsoever paid and however realized, to payment of the Senior Obligations in such a manner as Senior Creditor, in its sole discretion, may deem appropriate.
 
5.2            Documentation of Subordinated Obligations . Second Lien Holder shall:
 
(a)    cause all Subordinated Obligations to be evidenced by a note, debenture or other instrument evidencing the Subordinated Obligations,
 
(b)    at Senior Creditor's request, promptly surrender or cause to be surrendered any such note, debenture, or instrument evidencing the Subordinated Obligations so that a statement or legend may be entered thereon to the effect that such note, debenture, or other instrument is subordinated to the Senior Obligations in favor of Senior Creditor in the manner and to the extent set forth in this Agreement,
 
(c)    mark the books of Second Lien Holder to show that the Subordinated Obligations are subordinated to the Senior Obligations in the manner and to the extent set forth in this Agreement,
 
 
 

 
 
(d)    cause all financial statements of Second Lien Holder hereafter prepared for delivery to any person to make specific reference to the provisions of this Agreement, and
 
(e)    at Senior Creditor's request, promptly provide such documentary evidence as Senior Creditor may request to confirm Second Lien Holder's compliance with the requirements of this Section 5 .2.
 
5.3    Execution of Instruments . Second Lien Holder agrees to execute any and all other instruments necessary as required by Senior Creditor to subordinate the Subordinated Obligations to the Senior Obligations as herein provided.
 
5.4    Warranties and Representations . Second Lien Holder represents and warrants that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Second Lien Holder (i)   has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action and (ii)   does not require the consent or approval of any other Person, (b) neither the execution nor delivery of this Agreement nor fulfillment of or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof will conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or instrument (including, without limitation, any of its formation or governing documents) to which Second Lien Holder is now subject, (c) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Second Lien Holder, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, and (d) none of the Subordinated Obligations is or will be subordinated to any other indebtedness of Company other than the Senior Obligations unless otherwise agreed by Senior Creditor.
 
5.5    Application of Payments . All payments received by Senior Creditor may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to such part of the Senior Obligations provided for in the Senior Documents. Second Lien Holder consents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment of the Senior Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security which may at any time secure any part of the Senior Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefore, but only if, in each case, the stated maturity date is not changed.
 
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
 
6.1    Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any Senior Document or any Subordinated Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.
 
6.2    Continuing Nature of Provisions . This Agreement shall continue to be effective, and shall not be revocable by any Party hereto, until the obligations under the Senior Documents have been irrevocably satisfied in full.
 
6.3    Specific Performance . Each of Senior Creditor and Second Lien Holder may demand specific performance of this Agreement. Senior Creditor under its Senior Documents, and Second Lien Holder hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by Senior Creditor or Second Lien Holder, as the case may be.
 
6.4    Waiver of Notice of Acceptance . Notice of acceptance of this Agreement is waived, acceptance on the part of Senior Creditor being conclusively presumed by its request for this Agreement and delivery of the same to it.
 
6.5    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, NO PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY) LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY ARISES IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE.
 
 
 

 
 
6.6    Preservation of Liability . Neither this Agreement nor the exercise by any Party of (or the failure to so exercise) any right, power or remedy conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Party from liability hereunder.
 
6.7    Notices . Any record, notice, demand or document which either Party is required or may desire to give hereunder shall be in writing and, except to the extent provided in the other provisions of this Agreement, given by messenger, facsimile or other electronic transmission, or United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to such Party at its address and telecopy number shown below, or at such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision:
 
If to Senior Creditor, to:
 
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, TX 77002
Attention:    Karen Pape
Telephone:   (713) 860-2500
Facsimile:      (713) 860-2640
E-Mail: karen.pape@genlp.com
 
If to Company, to:
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300
Houston, Texas 77027
Attention:    Jonathan Carroll, Manager
Telephone:  (713) 850-0513
Facsimile:     (713) 850-0520
E-Mail:  JCarroll@LazarusEnergy.com
 
If to Second Lien Holder, to:
 
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Attention:     ________________________
Telephone:   ________________________
Facsimile:      ________________________
E-Mail:           ________________________
 
 
 

 
 
6.8           Choice   of   Law .  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.
 
6.9           Amendment   and   Waiver .  This Agreement may not be amended (nor may any of its terms be waived) except by a written document signed by all Parties, stating that it is intended to amend this Agreement.
 
6.10         Severability .  If any provision of this Agreement is rendered or declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by a judicial decision which shall have become final, the Parties shall promptly meet and discuss substitute provisions for those rendered invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but all of the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
6.11           Survival   of   Agreements .  All representations and warranties contained herein, and all covenants and agreements herein not fully performed before the effective date of this Agreement, shall survive such date.
 
6.12          Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures of all Parties hereto be contained on any one counterpart hereof. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
6.13          Successors   and   Assigns.
 
(a)       The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective successors or heirs, assigns and personal representatives.
 
(b)       Second Lien Holder will not assign or transfer (or agree to assign or transfer) to any other Person any claim Second Lien Holder has or may have against Company as long as any of the Senior Obligations remain outstanding, except upon at least ten (10) days prior written notice to Senior Creditor and unless such assignment or transfer (or agreement to make such assignment or transfer) is expressly made subject to this Agreement.
 
6.14         Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections .  All titles or headings to articles, sections, subsections or other divisions of this Agreement are only for the convenience of the Parties and shall not be construed to have any effect or meaning with respect to the other content of such articles, sections, subsections or other divisions, such other content being controlling as to the agreement between the Parties hereto.
 
6.15         Joint  Drafting .  Each  Party  acknowledges that  it  and  its  legal counsel have actively participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Security Agreement and, as such, this Security Agreement will be construed as having been jointly drafted by the Parties.
 
6.16        WAIVER     OF     JURY     TRIAL.       TO   THE   MAXIMUM   EXTENT  NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT WHICH IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY AT ANY TIME ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
 
6.17         FINAL   AGREEMENT.   THIS AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN AND THEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE  OF  PRIOR,  CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR  SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES
 
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned  have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized undersigned officers effective as of the date first set forth above.
 
 
SECOND LIEN HOLDER:
 
       
 
By:
   
  Name:    
  Title:    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

 
 

 
IN WITNESS  WHEREOF, the undersigned  have caused this instrument  to be executed by their duly authorized undersigned officers effective as of the date first set forth above.
 
  COMPANY:  
     
 
LAZARUSENERGYLLC
 
       
 
By:
   
  Name:    
  Title:    
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

 
 

 

IN WITNESS  WHEREOF, the undersigned  have caused this instrument to be executed by their duly authorized undersigned officers effective as of the date first set forth above.
 
  SENIOR CREDITOR:  
     
 
MILAM SERVICES, INC.
 
       
 
By:
   
  Name:    
  Title:    
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT G
 
Legal   Description   of   the   Facility   Site

Being a 56.309 ACRE TRACT situated George McPeters Survey, A-419, Wilson County, Texas, Said 56.309 ACRE TRACT is that tract conveyed by Bill Klingemann, Substitute Trustee, to Notre Dame Investors, Inc. by Substitute Trustee's Deed, in Volume 1159 at Page 609, dated May 06, 2003 and is comprised of all the tract called 51.30 acres in conveyance from Leal Petroleum Corporation to American Petro Chemical Corporation recorded in Volume 842 at Page 705 and all of a tract called 5.000 acres in conveyance from Notre Dame Refining Corporation to American Petro Chemical Corporation recorded in Volume 1049 at Page 651 of the Official Records of said county and being described by metes and bounds as follows:
 
BEGINNING at a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northwest comer of the tract herein described, same being the northwest comer of said 51.30 acre tract, northeast comer of a tract called Tract 2-B (41.245 acres) in Volume 685 at Page 101, lying in the south line of a tract called 7.654 acres in Volume 271 at Page 30, further described as lying in the south line of U.S. Highway No. 87; said point bears N 76 o     16'  00" E, 1495.62 feet from a concrete right of way marker found;
 
THENCE with a segment of the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 7.654 acre tract, along a segment of the south line ofU.S.  Highway 87, N 76° 16' 00" E, 140.71 feet (called N 76° 16' E, 140.0 feet-  basis of bearing) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a north comer of the tract herein described, same being the north comer of said 51.30 acre tract, northwest comer residue called 640 acres in Volume X at Page 136;
 
THENCE continuing with the north line of the tract herein described, same being the common line of said 51.30 acre tract with that of said residue 640 acre tract and a tract called 1.666 acres in Volume 1030 at Page 772 as follows:

S 13° 27' 49" E, 208.63 feet (called S 13° 37' E, 207.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer, N 76° 26' 34" E, 368.79 feet (called N 76° 29' E, 368.4 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A), N 76° 28' 28" E, 31.40 feet (called N 76° 49' E, 31.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer,
 
S 13° 55' 25" E, 238.17 feet (called S 14° 00' E, 238.0 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said residue 640 acre tract, N 76° 06° 05" E, at 386.77 feet a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at, 388.52, (N   76° 16' E, 383.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a re-entrant comer of he (the) tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said residue 640 acre tract and
 
N 13° 36' 45" W, at 1.84 feet a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at 446,92 feet (called N 13° 37' W, 447.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar found marking a north comer ofthe tract herein described, same being the northeast comer of said 1.666 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract, further described as lying in the south line of U.S. Highway 87;
 
THENCE continuing with the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 5.000 acre tract with that of said 7.654 acre tract, along a segment of the south line of U.S. Highway 87 as follows:
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 275.15 feet (called N 76° 16' E, 275.3 feet) to a railroad spike found in asphalt driveway,
 
N 81° 58' 38" E, 100.50 feet (called N 82° 12' E, 99.2 feet) to a one-half diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),
 
 
 

 
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 800.00 feet (called N 76° 14' E 800.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),
 
N 70° 33' 22" E, 100.50 feet (called N 70° 43' E, 101.2 feet) to a concrete right of way marker found broken, and
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 464.56 feet (in total called No record call, and N 75° 02' 04" E 278 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the northeast comer of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract, being the northwest comer of a tract called 200.008 acres in Volume 691 at Page 41; said point bearsS 76° 16' 00" W, 278.37 feet from an iron pipe found;

THENCE with the east line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 5.000 acre tract and said 51.30 acre tract with that of said 200.008 acre tract as follows:
 
S 13° 43' 44" E, 783.78 feet (called S 15° 01' E, 783.5 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer marking the east most southeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said 5.000 acre tract, re-entrant comer of said 200.008 acre tract,
 
S 76° 16' 39" W, 277.87 feet (called S 75° 02' 04" W, 278 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the east line of said 51.30 acre tract and being a north comer of said 200.008 acre tract, and
 
S 13° 24' 23" E, 261.29 feet (called S 13° 24' E, 261.7 feet) to a four inch diameter iron pipe post fence comer marking the south most southeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said 51.30 acre tract and re-entrant comer of said 200.008 acre tract;
 
THENCE with the south line ofthe  tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 200.008 acre tract as follows:
 
S 76° 08' 20" W, 768.00 feet (called S 76° 10' W, 768.0 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A), and S 76° 15' 20" W, 1619.78 feet (called S 76° 17' W, 1619.8 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a three way fence comer marking the southwest comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said 51.30 acre tract, lying in the north line of said 200.008 acre tract and being the southeast comer of said 41.245 acre tract;
 
THENCE with the west line of the tract herein described, same being the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 41.245 acre tract as follows:
 
N 13° 57' 38" W, 223.50 feet (called N 13° 55' W, 223.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),

N 13° 53' 37" W, 373.70 feet (called N 13° 51' W, 373.7 feet) to a fence post, and
 
N 13° 49' 38" W, 449.84 feet (called N 13° 47' W, 448.8 feet) to the PLACE OF BEGINNING and containing 56.309 ACRES OF LAND.
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT H
 
Insurance   Schedule
 
 
See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
REMARKS (Continued from page 1.)
Tanks numbered 51, 53, 54 and 62
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  of  2
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
DESCRIPTIONS (Continued from Page 1)
Liability is follow from of the General Liability, 30 Day notice of cancellation applles, all as required by written contract.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  of  2
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT I
 
Requirements   for   Delivery   of   Owner   Financial   Statements
 

See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT I

Requirements for Delivery of Lazarus Financial Statements

Owner to provide Contractor with the following financial statements, along with the sufficient detail and back up needed for Contractor to comply with its SEC reporting requirements. Supporting detail information for the above statements must be timely and sufficient to allow the Contractor to complete its related financial statement footnotes and Management Discussion and Analysis. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
•      Income Statement
 
•      Balance Sheet
 
•      Cash Flow Statement
 
•      Statement of Members' Equity
 
Additionally, the following operational information should be provided:
 
•      Volumetric Accounting Reports (daily operational reports, summarized monthly)
 
o      Includes Nixon Facility inputs (crude oil) and outputs (refined products)
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT   J
 
Contractor   Forbearance   Agreement
 
See attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT
 
THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT (this " Agreement" ) is dated effective as of August 12, 2011 and is entered into by and between Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77002 ("Lien Holder"), and Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77027 ("Lazarus").  Each of Lien Holder and Lazarus may be referred to in this Agreement individually as a " Party " or collectively as the "Parties."
 
RECITALS:
 
WHEREAS, Lien Holder and Lazarus entered into that certain Construction and Funding Contract dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the " Construction   Contract "), pursuant to which Lien Holder agreed to provide certain labor and materials relating to the infrastructure improvements at the refinery facility owned or operated by Lazarus located in Nixon, Texas (the "Facility");
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code (and the lien provisions of  Article XVI, Section 37  of  the  Texas Constitution, as applicable), Lien Holder filed an Affidavit Claiming Mechanic's and Materialman's Lien in the Real Property Records of Wilson County, Texas (the " Lien   Affidavit" ), to perfect Lien Holder's lien on any unpaid amounts due under the Construction Contract (the "Lien");
 
WHEREAS, Lien  Holder terminated the Construction Contract on __________,20____ (the " Construction Contract Termination Date ")  pursuant  to Section 18.5 of that agreement, and, in connection with such termination, Lien Holder is entitled to receive the payment in full of all outstanding Obligations (as defined in the Construction Contract) from Lazarus; and
 
WHEREAS, in order for Lazarus to pursue additional financing opportunities for the Facility to enable the repayment of the Obligations, Lazarus has requested that Lien Holder forbear taking certain actions with respect to the Lien for the period of time set forth in this Agreement, and Lien Holder is willing to do so pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
 
AGREEMENT:

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, Lien Holder and Lazarus each agree as follows:
 
1.           Forbearance   Agreement.     Lien Holder hereby agrees not to institute a suit or other proceeding against Lazarus to foreclose the Lien under Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code or Article XVI of the Texas Constitution, as applicable, or exercise any other rights or remedies Lien Holder may have pursuant to the Construction Contract under applicable law or otherwise during the Forbearance Period (hereinafter defined).
 
 
1

 

2.              Forbearance   Period.     The forbearance period (the "Forbearance Period") shall commence on the Construction Contract Termination Date and shall continue until the "Agreement Termination Date", which for purposes of this Agreement shall be (a) such date that is six (6) months after the Construction Contract Termination Date if, during such time period, the Initial Operation Date (as defined in the Construction Contract) has not occurred or (b) the earlier of the following dates:  (i) such date that any other lien holder of Lazarus institutes a suit or other proceeding against Lazarus to foreclose its respective lien(s) pursuant any agreements or instruments or exercise any rights or remedies that such lien holder may have pursuant to such agreements or instruments under applicable law, (ii) such date after the Initial Operation Date that Lazarus does not pay any Monthly Fee (defined below) to Lien Holder within five (5) days of such amount being due and payable or (iii) the date of filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy by Lazarus or an involuntary petition in bankruptcy by Lazarus' creditors against Lazarus.
 
3.             Payment   of   Monthly   Fee .     During the Forbearance Period, Lazarus shall pay to Lien Holder or its designated Affiliate, by the fifth (5th)   day of each calendar month, one hundred fifty thousand and 00/100 ($150,000.00) (the " Monthly   Fee" ).  The Monthly Fee paid to Lien Holder shall be applied to reduce the outstanding balance of the Obligations until the Obligations are paid in full, at which time this Agreement shall terminate and Lazarus shall have no further obligations to Lien Holder or its Affiliates.
 
4.             Ratification   of   Liens   and   Security   Interests.   Lazarus acknowledges and ratifies the existence and priority of the Lien in favor of Lien Holder in and to the property of Lazarus as set forth in the Lien Affidavit.
 
5.             Miscellaneous.
 
(a)           Continuing   Nature   of   Provisions.    This Agreement shall continue to be effective, and shall not be revocable by any Party hereto, until the Agreement Termination Date or the date of payment in full of the Obligations.
 
(b)            Specific   Performance.   Lien Holder may demand specific performance of this Agreement.   Lazarus hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought Lien Holder.
 
(c)            Waiver   of   Notice   of   Acceptance .  Notice of acceptance of this Agreement is waived, acceptance on the part of Lien Holder being conclusively presumed by its request for this Agreement and/or delivery of the same to it.
 
(d)           LIMITATION   OF   LIABILITY.    NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, NO PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER, OR  ANY  SPECIAL,  INDIRECT,  INCIDENTAL,  OR  CONSEQUENTIAL  (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY) LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH  ITS  PERFORMANCE   OF  ITS  OBLIGATIONS  UNDER  THIS  AGREEMENT, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY ARISES IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE  AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE.
 
 
2

 
 
(e)            Preservation   of   Liability .   Neither this Agreement  nor the exercise by any Party of (or the failure to so exercise)  any right, power or remedy  conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Party from liability hereunder.
 
(f)             Notices.      Any  record,  notice,  demand  or  document  which  a  Party  is required or may desire to give hereunder shall be in writing and, except to the extent provided in the other provisions of this Agreement, given by messenger, facsimile or other electronic transmission,   or  United  States  registered   or  certified  mail,  postage  prepaid,  return  receipt requested,  addressed  to such party at its address and telecopy  number shown below, or at such other address as such Party shall have furnished to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision:
 
If to Lien Holder, to:
 
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, TX 77002
Attention:      Karen Pape
Telephone:    (713) 860-2500
Facsimile:       (713) 860-2640
E-Mail:  karen.pape@genlp.com
 
If to Lazarus, to:
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300
Houston, Texas  77027
Attention:      Jonathan Carroll, Manager
Telephone:     (713) 850-0513
Facsimile:        (713) 850-0520
E-Mail:            JCarroll@LazarusEnergy.com
 
(g)            Choice   of   Law .  THIS AGREEMENT  SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.
 
(h)            Amendment   and   Waiver .  This Agreement  may not be amended (nor may any of its terms be waived) except by a written document signed by all Parties, stating that it is intended to amend this Agreement.
 
(i)            Severability.   If any provision of this Agreement  is rendered or declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable  by reason of any existing or subsequently  enacted legislation or by a judicial decision which shall have become final, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of this Contract which shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
 
 
3

 
 
(j)              Survival   of   Agreements.   All  representations  and  warranties  contained herein, and all covenants  and agreements herein not fully performed before the effective date of this Agreement, shall survive such date.
 
(k)            Counterparts.   This   Agreement   may   be   executed   in  two   or  more counterparts,  and it shall not be necessary that the signatures of each Party hereto be contained on  any  one  counterpart  hereof.    Each  counterpart  shall  be deemed  an  original,  but  all  such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
(1)             Successors   and   Assigns . The  terms  of  this Agreement  shall  be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective successors or heirs, assigns and personal representatives.
 
(m)           WAIVER   OF JURY   TRIAL.    TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY  AND INTENTIONALLY  WAIVES  ANY RIGHT WHICH IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION  DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY AT ANY  TIME  ARISING  OUT OF, UNDER  OR IN CONNECTION  WITH THIS AGREEMENT,  OR ANY TRANSACTION  CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
 
(n)            FINAL     AGREEMENT.    THIS   AGREEMENT   REPRESENTS   THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS ADDRESSED  HEREIN  AND THEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED  BY EVIDENCE    OF   PRIOR,   CONTEMPORANEOUS,   OR   SUBSEQUENT   ORAL AGREEMENTS  OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
 
(o)            Time   of   Essence.   Time is of the essence in the performance of all terms and conditions and other obligations under this Agreement.
 
 
 
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
 
 
4

 
 
EXECUTED  by the duly authorized  representative  of the Parties set forth below, to be effective for all purposes as of date set forth above.
 
 
LIEN HOLDER:
 
     
  MILAM SERVICES, INC.  
       
 
By:
   
  Name:    
  Title:    

 
5

 

EXECUTED by the  duly  authorized representative of the Parties  set forth  below,  to be effective for all purposes  as of date set forth above.
 
 
LAZARUS
 
     
 
LAZARUSENERGYLLC
 
       
 
By:
   
  Name:    
  Title:    

 
 
6

EXHIBIT 10.3
 
 
 
 
JOINT MARKETING AGREEMENT

by and between

GEL TEX MARKETING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company and a Genesis Energy, LLC affiliate,
 
and

LAZARUS ENERGY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company


Dated as of August 12, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

TABLE   OF   CONTENTS
 
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS     4  
         
  1.1.           Definitions Contained in the Construction Contract     4  
  1.2.           Definitions     4  
  1.3.           Other Capitalized Terms     8  
  1.4.           Exhibits and Schedules     8  
  1.5.           Amendment of Defined Instruments     8  
  1.6.           References and Titles     9  
           
ARTICLE II MARKETING OF NIXON PRODUCT     9  
         
  2.1.           Joint Marketing Obligations     9  
  2.2.           Marketing Team     10  
  2.3.           Consultation with GEL     10  
           
ARTICLE III OBLIGATIONS OF LAZARUS RELATED TO SALE OF NIXON PRODUCT     10  
         
  3.1.           Contract for Sale of Nixon Product     l 0  
  3.2.           Billing and Invoicing Services     l 0  
  3.3.           Credit Approval Process     11  
  3.4.           Documentation of Operations     11  
  3.5.           Lazarus Financial Statements     11  
           
ARTICLE IV OBLIGATIONS OF GEL RELATED TO SALE OF NIXON PRODUCT     12  
         
  4.1.           Collection of Invoiced Amounts     12  
  4.2.           Calculation of Gross Profit and Disbursements     12  
  4.3.           Accounting Reports     13  
  4.4.           Transportation of Nixon Product     13  
  4.5.           Confirmations     13  
           
ARTICLE V COSTS; PROFIT SHARING; NETTING OF AMOUNTS DUE; AND REMEDIES     13  
         
  5.1.           Marketing Costs     13  
  5.2.           Profit Sharing     13  
  5.3.           Netting of Claims     13  
  5.4.           Payments to 1st International Bank     14  
  5.5.           IRS Arrearage Amount     14  
  5.6.           Remedies for Lazarus Non-Performance     14  
           
ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION     15  
           
ARTICLE VII TERM AND TERMINATION     15  
         
  7.1.           Term     15  
  7.2.           Termination     16  
  7.3.           Force Majeure     16  
 
 
 

 
 
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS     16  
           
  8.1.           Warranties and Representations     16  
  8.2.           Confidentiality of Information     17  
  8.3.           Survival of Obligations     17  
  8.4.           LIMITATION OF LIABILITY     17  
  8.5.           Preservation of Liability     17  
  8.6.           Binding Effect; Duration     18  
  8.7.           Notices     18  
  8.8.           Choice of Law     19  
  8.9.           Dispute Resolution     19  
  8.10.         Amendment and Waiver     19  
  8.11.         Severability     19  
  8.12.         Survival of Agreements     19  
  8.13.         Counterparts     19  
  8.14.         Successors and Assigns     19  
  8.15.         Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections     19  
  8.16.         Joint Drafting     20  
  8.17.         Conflicting Terms     20  
  8.18.         Acknowledgment of Exculpatory Provisions     20  
  8.19.         Relationship of the Parties     20  
  8.20.         FINAL AGREEMENT     20  
 
 
3

 
 
JOINT MARKETING  AGREEMENT

THIS JOINT MARKETING AGREEMENT (this "Marketing Agreement") is made and entered into as of August 12, 2011 (the " Effective   Date" ), by and between GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a Genesis Energy, LLC affiliate, whose address is  919  Milam,  Suite  2100,  Houston,  Texas  77002  (" GEL" ),  and  Lazarus  Energy  LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77027 (" Lazarus" ).   GEL and Lazarus may be referred to in this Marketing Agreement individually as a"" or collectively as the "Parties."
 
RECITALS:

WHEREAS, Lazarus operates the Facility, at which the Crude Oil, exclusively supplied by GEL pursuant to the Supply Agreement, will  be refined and processed, such Crude Oil refined and processed is referred to as the " Nixon   Product" ;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Construction Contract, Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware  corporation  and  an  affiliate  of  GEL  (" MSI" ),  is  funding  the  construction  and installation of certain equipment to be used at the Facility, which is located on the real property described  on   Exhibit   A   attached  hereto  and  made  a  part  hereof  and  the  buildings  and improvements thereon, and will in part be repaid by Lazarus through profits from the sale of the Nixon Product;

and
 
WHEREAS, GEL and Lazarus desire to cooperate in the marketing of the Nixon Product;
 
WHEREAS, this Marketing Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions upon which the Parties have agreed to undertake this marketing arrangement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

1.1.     Definitions   Contained   in   the   Construction   Contract.    Notwithstanding any termination of the Construction Contract, unless otherwise defined herein or context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used but not defined in this Marketing Agreement have the meanings given to those terms in the Construction Contract.

1.2.      De finit ions . As used in this Marketing Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:

" 1 st   International " has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 .
 
 
 

 
 
" Affiliate " means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified, and in addition, with respect to the Lazarus, (a) any director or officer of such Person or of any Person referred to above or (b) if any Person in above is an individual, any member of the immediate family (including parents, spouse and children) of such individual and any trust whose principal beneficiary is such individual or one or more members of such immediate family and any Person who is controlled by any such member or trust. As used in this definition, "control" (including, with its correlative meanings, "controlled  by" and "under  common control with") means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of Equity Interests, by contract or otherwise); provided that, in any event, (i) any Person who owns directly or indirectly ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body of a corporation or ten percent (10%) or more of the Equity Interests of any other Person (other than as a limited partner of such other Person) will be deemed to control such corporation or other Person, and (ii) any subsidiary of any Lazarus shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Lazarus.

" Accounting Fees " has the meaning set forth in Section   3.5.

" Allowable  Payments "  means  any  payment  to GEL  set forth  on Exhibit   B , except  for Construction Payments.

" Base   Construction   Payment " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.

" Business   Day " means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be in Texas a legal holiday, or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close in any city situated in Texas.

" Confidential   Information " has the meaning set forth in Section   8.2.

" Construction   Contract "  means that certain Construction  and Funding Contract dated of even date herewith by and between Lazarus and MSI.

" Construction   Payment " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.

" Cost  of  Crude  Oil "  means  the  price  paid  by Lazarus  for  Crude  Oil  pursuant  to  the Supply Agreement.

" Deficit Mon th " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B. " Deposit   Amount " has the meaning set forth in Section   4.1.
 
" Diesel   Blendstock   Payments " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.
 
" Diesel Reve nu e " has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c).
 
 
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" Dispute   Resolution   Agreement " means that  certain  Dispute  Resolution  Agreement, dated of even date herewith, by and between Lazarus, GEL and certain of their respective Affiliates, and any amendments, modifications and restatements thereof.

" Effective   Date "  has  the  meaning  set  forth  in  the  introductory  paragraph  of  this Marketing Agreement.

" Equitv   Interests " means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any, warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest.

" Escrow Sub-Account " has the meaning set forth in Section   4.1 .

" Facility " means the refinery and related terminal facilities, lands and equipment related thereto owned or operated by Lazarus located in Nixon, Texas.

" Final Resolution " has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a).

" Financial   Statement   Preparation   Fee " has the meaning set forth in Section   3.5. "Force Majeure" has the meaning set forth in Section   7.3.
 
" GAAP " means generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Any undefined accounting term herein shall be interpreted in accordance with GAAP.

" GEL "  has  the  meaning  set  forth  in  the  introductory  paragraph  of  this  Marketing Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.

" GEL " Profit Share" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a). "GEL Re me dies" has the meaning set forth in Section   5.6.
 
" Gross Pro fit " means, for a calendar month, the total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Product minus Cost of Crude Oil.

" Ind icative Rates " means the initial formulation of rates to be charged to customers for the sale of Nixon Product.

" Init ial Term " has the meaning set forth in Section 7.l(a).

" Inves tme nt Threshold Date " means the date on which MSI has recouped all interest, Advances  and  other  Obligations  under  the  Construction  Contract  from  distributions  made pursuant to Section 4.2(b) .
 
 
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" IRS " means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

" IRS Lien " means that certain federal tax lien, filed in Wilson County, Texas by the IRS on February 8, 2011, against LEH relating to amounts owed by LEH to  the IRS for unpaid taxes in an amount equal to the IRS Arrearage Amount.

" IRS   Arrearage   Amount " means the stated aggregate amount owed under the IRS Lien, which is equal to $51,192.75, plus any additional penalties, interest, and costs that may accrue.

" Lazarus " has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Marketing Agreement and includes any successor or assigns.

" Lazarus Authorized Officer " means the manager, chief executive officer, president, any vice president or the treasurer of Lazarus or any other officer duly authorized to contractually bind Lazarus specified as such to  GEL in writing by any of the aforementioned officers.

" Lazarus Loan Document Default " means any default (or event of default) by Lazarus under any Loan Document (as defined in the Loan Agreement).

" L azaru s Profit Share " has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b)(i).
 
" LEH " means Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
 
" Loan   Agreement " means that certain Loan Agreement, dated September 29, 2008, by and among 1 st International, as lender, Lazarus, as borrower, and Jonathan Pitts Carroll, Sr. and Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as guarantors, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

" Marketing Agreement " means this Joint Marketing Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto), as it may be amended, modified or supplemented.

" Marketing Team " has the meaning set forth in Section   2.2. "Material Event" has the meaning set forth in Section   2.3.
 
" MSI " has the meaning set forth in the Recitals of this Marketing Agreement.
 
" Nixon Product " has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
" Nixon Product Sales Account " has the meaning set forth in Section   4.1.

" Operating Expenses " means, as calculated for each calendar month, the operating expenses for the Facility, such expenses not to exceed the lesser of (a) $2.71 per barrel of Crude Oil received at the Facility (based on  a throughput of 10,000 barrels) or (b) $800,000  per calendar month.
 
 
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" Operations Payments " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.

" Ordinary Course of Business " means the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity and frequency).

" Parties "  has the  meaning set  forth  in the introductory paragraph of  this  Marketing Agreement.

" Party "   has  the  meanmg  set  forth  m  the  introductory paragraph  of  this  Marketing Agreement.

" Performance Fee " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.

" Perso n " means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or unincorporated organization, joint stock company or other similar organization, government or any political subdivision thereof, a court, or any other legal entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

" Preliminary   Marketing   Plan "   means   the   preliminary   plan   and   budget   for   the   sale   of Nixon   Product   that   is   developed,   implemented   and   undertaken   by   the   Parties   in   accordance   with Section   2. 1 (b).

" Prudent Operator " means a reasonable, prudent operator experienced in the operation of Crude Oil refineries and who is, at the time of any specific determination, situated similarly to Lazarus in material respects.

" Renewal Term " has the meaning set forth in Section 7.l(b). "Ret aine d Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a).
 
" Supply  Agreement "  means that certain  Crude Oil Supply and Throughput Services Agreement dated of even date herewith by and between Lazarus and GEL. "Ter m " has the meaning set forth in Section 7.l(b).
 
" Threshold   Amount " has the meaning set forth in Exhibit   B.

1.3.      Other   Capitalized   Terms .  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in Section   1.2 shall have the meanings given them elsewhere in this Marketing Agreement.

1.4.      Exhibits and Schedules .  All exhibits and schedules attached to this Marketing Agreement are part of this Marketing Agreement for all purposes.
 
1.5.      Amendment of Defmed Instruments . Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise provided herein, the terms defined in this Marketing Agreement which refer to a particular agreement, instrument or document also refer to and include all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments and restatements  of such agreement, instrument  or document. Nothing contained in this Section 1.5 will be construed to authorize any renewal, extension, modification, amendment or restatement.
 
 
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1.6.       References and Titles . All references in this Marketing Agreement to exhibits, schedules, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, schedules, articles, sections,  subsections and other subdivisions of this Marketing  Agreement  unless expressly  provided otherwise. The words "this Marketing Agreement," "this instrument," "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Marketing Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrases "this section" and "this subsection" and similar phrases refer only to the sections or subsections of this Marketing Agreement in which those phrases occur.  The word "or" is not exclusive; the word "including" (in its various forms) means "including without limitation." Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter genders shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall."  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's  successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained herein), (c) with respect to the determination of any time period, the word "from" means "from and including" and the word "to" means "to and including." No provision of this Marketing Agreement or any other Contract Document shall be interpreted or construed against any Person solely because such Person or its legal representative drafted such provision.
 
ARTICLE II
MARKETING   OF   NIXON   PRODUCT
 
2.1.       Joint   Marketing   Obligations.

(a)       During   the   Term   hereof,   each   Party   shall   undertake   its  respective obligations regarding the marketing of the Nixon Product in good faith, as set forth herein and as may be directed by the Marketing Team.  Each Party shall:
 
(i)        act in good faith towards  and cooperate  with the other Party and ensure  that its Affiliates  and their respective  employees  and agents act in good faith  towards  the  other  Party  in  a  manner  so  as  to  promote  the  successful marketing of the Nixon Product;

(ii)       provide such information  and support as are reasonably  requested by the other Party in order for the other Party to comply with its obligations under this Marketing Agreement;
 
(iii)      commit appropriate and adequate staff and internal resources to carry out the marketing of the Nixon Product in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Marketing Agreement; and
 
 
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(iv)      treat all information regarding the sale and marketing of the Nixon Product under this Marketing Agreement as confidential and proprietary information and use its best efforts to ensure against disclosure to third parties.

(b)       During the Term hereof, the Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to develop, implement and jointly undertake a Preliminary Marketing Plan for the Nixon Product, which shall include the following activities:

(i)        develop Indicative Rates for the Nixon Product, for the purpose of assessing interest in the Nixon Product on the part of potential customers;

(ii)      develop any necessary solicitation documentation and related promotional materials and conduct solicitations in a manner intended to generate binding commitments from potential customers;

(iii)      market the Nixon Product  to all  potential customers, including each Party's existing customers; and

(iv)      negotiate final prices and terms with customers for the purchase of the Nixon Product.

2.2.      Marketing Team .   The Parties will establish a marketing team (the "Marketing Team"), which will be responsible for developing and implementing the Preliminary Marketing Plan for the sale of Nixon Product. The Marketing Team shall consist of two (2) representatives, with one (1) representative appointed by each Party.

2.3.      Consultation   with   GEL.      Lazarus  shall  not  make  any  modification  to  its operations at the Facility nor enter into any contracts with any third parties which would materially affect or impair GEL's or its Affiliates' rights under this Marketing Agreement (each a " Material   Event" ), the Construction Contract or the Supply Agreement without first consulting with GEL and obtaining GEL's prior written consent to such Material Event.
 
ARTICLE III
OBLIGATIONS   OF   LAZARUS   RELATED   TO   SALE   OF   NIXON   PRODUCT

3.1.      Contract for Sale of Nixon Product .  Upon the successful marketing of the Nixon Product, Lazarus will have the sole responsibility of entering into written contracts with customers for the purchase and sale of the Nixon Product.

3.2.      Billing   and   Invoicing   Services.    Lazarus will provide all billing and invoicing services related to the purchase and sale of the Nixon Product.   Lazarus will (a) direct all customers to make payments for the purchase of Nixon Product directly to GEL until further notice and (b) cooperate with GEL to deliver to each customer written notice (substantially in the form of Exhibit   C ) from GEL and Lazarus that all amounts owing to Lazarus by such customer are to be paid to GEL in the manner  detailed  in such notice.   If Lazarus  nonetheless  directly receives from a customer payment for the sale of the Nixon Product, Lazarus will promptly (but, in any event,  by the end  of the following  Business  Day) transfer  all such  funds  to  GEL for deposit in the Nixon Product Sales Account.
 
 
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3.3.       Credit   Approval   Process.     Prior  to  the  sale  of  the  Nixon  Product,  GEL  will confirm that all customers meet the requirements of GEL's customer credit approval process.
 
3.4.      Documentation  of Operations .    As soon  as available  following  the end of each Business Day, but in any event within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of such Business Day, Lazarus  will  provide  GEL  with  the  following  documentation  related  to  the  operation  of  the Facility for the applicable calendar month:
 
(a)        daily yield data for the Nixon Product;
 
(b)        documentation of all bills of lading for delivery of the Nixon Product;
 
(c)        inventory  reports  for  (i)  Crude  Oil  delivered  pursuant  to  the  Supply Agreement and (ii) Nixon Product;
 
(d)        documentation  of how Tank Storage  Fee (as such term is defined  in the Supply Agreement) has been expended by Lazarus; and
 
(e)        and  any  other  report  or  information  requested  by  GEL  related  to  the operation of the Facility.
 
3.5.      Lazarus Financial Statements .  For as long as this Marketing Agreement remains in effect, Lazarus shall deliver to GEL such financial statements of Lazarus certified by a Lazarus Authorized Officer that are prepared in accordance with GAAP and fully compliant with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, in accordance with the requirements set forth on Exhibit D attached hereto. If Lazarus does not comply with the provisions of this Section 3.5 to the satisfaction of GEL in GEL's sole and absolute discretion, then Lazarus shall (a) at its sole cost cause its financial statements to be prepared by accountants or other such experts to be approved by GEL in its sole discretion or (b) allow GEL to prepare Lazarus' financial statements on behalf of Lazarus, for which Lazarus shall pay a fee to GEL equal to one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the cost of such preparation to GEL (the " Financial Statement Preparation Fee ").  Upon the request of GEL, Lazarus shall promptly provide GEL with, or allow GEL access to, all information, books and records required to prepare Lazarus' financial statements pursuant to this Section 3.5 . Any costs and expenses up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) incurred by Lazarus in connection with the preparation of its financial statements pursuant to this Section 3.5 (the " Accounting Fees ") shall be reimbursed to Lazarus from the Gross Profits as provided in Exhibit B ; provided , however , that Lazarus shall provide documentation to GEL that in the reasonable discretion of GEL adequately sets forth all amounts expended by Lazarus relating to such Accounting Fees.
 
 
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3.6.      Facility Operations .   Lazarus shall operate the Facility in the Ordinary Course of Business  and shall  (i) maintain  and  keep the property  and Equipment  of the Facility  in good repair,  working  order  and  condition  in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  conduct  of  a  Prudent Operator, (ii) purchase  and keep in full force and effect insurance coverage  with respect to the Facility and its assets in amounts  as would be maintained  by any Prudent  Operators similarly situated, (iii) maintain the books and records of the Facility consistent with past practice (subject to the requirements  of Section 3.5 herein) and (iv) comply in all material respects with all Laws and Permits applicable to the Facility.

ARTICLE IV
OBLIGATIONS   OF   GEL   RELATED   TO   SALE   OF   NIXON   PRODUCT

4.1.       Collection   of   Invoiced   Amounts .  GEL shall serve as collection agent for Lazarus in connection with all invoiced amounts for the sale of the Nixon Product.   GEL will establish a depository  bank account  (the " Nixon   Product   Sales   Account" )  and all amounts  collected from the  sale  of  the  Nixon  Product  shall  be  deposited  into  the  Nixon  Product  Sales  Account. Furthermore,  upon receipt of One Hundred  Fifty Thousand  Dollars  ($150,000)  into the Nixon Product Sales Account (the " Deposit   Amount" ), GEL will establish a sub-account on its internal books and records with respect to the Deposit Amount (the " Escrow   Sub-Account" ).  GEL shall credit such Deposit Amount to the Escrow Sub-Account and such amount shall be held in escrow during the Term;   provided ,  however, that to the extent there  is a shortfall  in any month  with respect to payments due under the Construction Contract, the amount of such shortfall shall be deducted from the Deposit Amount and paid to GEL.

4.2.      Calculation   of   Gross   Profit   and   Disbursements.

(a)       Calculation of Gross Profit. Gross Profit for each calendar month will be calculated by GEL in its sole discretion on the twentieth Business  Day following the last day of the applicable calendar month.

(b)       Distribution  of  Gross  Profit.    Distribution  of  Gross  Profits,  including repayment  of interest,  Advances  and Obligations  due under the Construction  Contract, shall be made by GEL from the Nixon Product Sales Account in accordance with Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.

(c)        Distribution  of  Diesel  Revenue.    After  the  Investment  Threshold  Date, prior to any other distribution  set forth on Exhibit   B and as an advance against the sums to  be paid to  Lazarus  pursuant  to the  provisions  of part  (b) of   Exhibit   B, GEL  shall distribute  ten  percent  (10%)  of  the diesel  revenue  (the " Diesel   Revenue" )  to Lazarus weekly during the Term of this Marketing Agreement to the extent that such distributions do not exceed $800,000 in any calendar month {and not to exceed $750,000 in advances on Diesel Revenue in any month).
 
 
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4.3.     Accounting Reports . Twenty (20) Business Days after each calendar month, GEL shall provide Lazarus with accounting reports reconciling all inventories, sales and costs related to (i) the Crude Oil being supplied to Lazarus pursuant the Supply Agreement and (ii) the Nixon Product.  Lazarus shall have the right to audit or examine all books and records of GEL supporting such accounting reports after giving GEL written notice ten (I0) Business Days in advance of the date of proposed audit or examination.  All audits or examinations shall be conducted at GEL's offices during normal business hours.
 
4.4.     Transportation of Nixon Product .  If requested by a customer purchasing the Nixon Product, with respect to any items outside the scope of the standard Operating Expenses, GEL may provide services to transport the Nixon Product, including without limitation kerosene or diesel, from the Facility to such customer at the sole expense of Lazarus.
 
4.5.      Confirmations .   Upon  request  by Lazarus,  GEL  shall provide  to Lazarus confirmation of (a) all expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of the Nixon Product undertaken by GEL pursuant to Section 4.4 and (b) costs of funds and market pricing related to the Nixon Product.
ARTICLE V
COSTS; PROFIT SHARING; NETTING OF AMOUNTS DUE; AND REMEDIES
 
5.1 .    Marketing  Costs .    The  costs  of  developing  and  implementing  the  Preliminary Marketing Plan, as contemplated in Section   2.l(b) , will be included as Operating Expenses in the calculation of Gross Profits.
 
5.2.      Profit   Sharing.

(a)        Profit Share for GEL.  To the extent available, each calendar month GEL will receive a portion of the Gross Profits, after payment of the Construction Payment, as calculated in Exhibit   B (the " GEL   Profit   Share" ).
 
(b)        Profit Share for Lazarus.
 
(i)        To the extent available, each calendar month Lazarus will receive a portion of the Gross Profits, after payment of the Construction Payment and the Allowable Payments, as calculated in Exhibit   B (the " Lazarus   Profit   Share" ).
 
(ii)       Notwithstanding  the provisions  of Section   5.2(b)(i), if the Lazarus Profit Share due and owing to Lazarus is more than the amount remaining in the Nixon Product Sales Account after the payment of the Construction Payment and the Allowable Payments as provided in Exhibit   B , Lazarus shall only be entitled to receive such remaining amount in the Nixon Product Sales Account as its profit share for the applicable calendar month.
 
5.3.       Netting  of Claims .   GEL may, without  further  notice to Lazarus, setoff (a) any amount  then  due and  owing  by Lazarus  to  GEL,  or any  Affiliate  of GEL,  under  any of the Contract Documents,  as applicable,  other than those amounts due and owing that will be paid pursuant to the Allowable Payments as provided in Exhibit   B, against (b) any amounts due and owing  to  Lazarus  under  any  of  the  Contract  Documents  without  regard  (in  the  case  of  the preceding  clause (b)) to whether such amounts arise by setoff, offset, combination  of accounts, deduction, retention, counterclaim  or withholding.    If an amount is unascertainable,  GEL may, acting in a commercially  reasonable  matter, setoff an estimated amount and account to Lazarus when the amount is ascertained.
 
 
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5.4.       Payments   to   1st   International   Bank.     GEL  may,  subject  to  the  request  of  1st International  Bank (" 1st   International" )  and without further notice to Lazarus, directly pay to 1st International  from the Lazarus Profit Share any amounts then due and owing by Lazarus to I st International  Bank  under the  Loan Documents  (as defined  in the Loan  Agreement). Lazarus hereby consents to any payment by GEL from the Lazarus Profit Share to 1st International  set forth in this Section 5.4 until such time as GEL receives written notice from 1st International that all amounts due under the Loan Documents have been paid in full.
 
5.5.       IRS   Arrearage   Amount.

(a)       Notwithstanding   the  proVIsions of   Section   5.2(b)(i),   GEL  shall,  after payment   of  the  Construction   Payment,  the  Allowable   Payments,  and  the  required monthly payments due and owing   to 1 st  International  pursuant to Section   5.4 , retain an amount  equal  to  the  IRS  Arrearage  Amount  (the  " Retained   Amount" )  from  the  first payment of the Lazarus Profit Share for the purpose of paying any amounts owed under the IRS Lien until such time as there is a final and non-appealable  judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction  or a settlement  between LEH and the IRS (a " Final   Resolution" ) relating the IRS Lien.   If, after the Final Resolution,  any amounts are owed to the IRS under the IRS Lien by LEH, GEL shall use the Retained Amount to pay such amounts owed to the IRS, with any remainder of the Retained Amount being transferred by GEL to Lazarus within five (5) Business Days of such payment by GEL of amounts owed to the IRS.  If, pursuant to the Final Resolution, it is determined that LEH owes no amount to the IRS, GEL shall transfer the Retained Amount to Lazarus within five (5) Business Days of receipt of written notice by GEL from Lazarus of such outcome.
 
(b)       Notwithstanding  the provisions  of Section  5.2(b)(i) ,  if, after payment  of the Construction  Payment, the Allowable  Payments, and the required  monthly  payment due and owing  to 1 st International  pursuant to Section 5.4 , the remainder of the Lazarus Profit Share is less than the IRS Arrearage Amount, then such shortfall shall be retained from the payment of the Lazarus Profit Share for the next subsequent month (or such additional   subsequent   months  as  is  required   by  GEL  to  accumulate   the  Retained Amount).

5.6.       Remedies  for Lazarus Non-Performance .   Upon the occurrence of (a) a Lazarus Loan Document Default, (b) an Owner Event of Default (defined in the Construction  Contract), (c) the initiation of any proceedings to foreclose on the Collateral (defined in the Construction Contract)  or (d) any other event that, in the sole discretion of GEL, would prevent Lazarus from performing  its obligations  under this Marketing  Agreement,  GEL may, but is not obligated to, undertake the following actions:
 
 
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(a)        Cure any Lazarus Loan Document Default on behalf of Lazarus;
 
(b)        Cure any Owner Event of Default on behalf of Lazarus; and
 
(c)    Enter onto, or allow its agents and representatives  to enter onto, the premises upon which the Facility is located and operate the Facility in accordance with all Contract Documents, with such agents and representatives to include any Facility operator(s) engaged by GEL at its expense to (i) continue the operations of the Facility and keep the property and Equipment of the Facility in good repair, working order and condition, (ii) maintain the books and records of the Facility and (iii) comply in all material respects with all laws and permits applicable to the Facility.
 
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
 
EACH  PARTY  WILL  INDEMNIFY,  DEFEND  AND  HOLD  HARMLESS  THE OTHER PARTY, ITS AFFILIATES, THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, SUITS, ACTIONS, GOVERNMENTAL PROCEEDINGS, ETC. WHICH ARE BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY WHICH IN ANY WAY ARISE OUT OF THAT PARTY'S (I) NEGLIGENT PERFORMANCE OF ITS RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ARISING OUT OF THIS MARKETING AGREEMENT, (II) MISREPRESENTATION OR BREACH OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY UNDER THIS MARKETING AGREEMENT, (III) OMISSIONS,  OR (IV) VIOLATIONS  OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. SUCH INDEMNIFICATION SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, ANY MONETARY JUDGMENTS, SETTLEMENTS OR CLAIMS AND ALL RELATED LEGAL COSTS, INCLUDING ATTORNEY'S FEES.
ARTICLE VII
TERM   AND   TERMINATION
 

7.1.      Term.

(a)        Initial Term.   The initial term of this Marketing Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years commencing  on the Effective Date (the " Initial   Term" ),  unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section   7 .2.
 
(b)       Renewal Terms.  After the Initial Term, this Marketing Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year terms (each a "Renewal Term," and together with the Initial Term, collectively, the "Term"),  unless either Party hereto, within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as applicable, notifies the other Party as to its election to terminate this Marketing Agreement or unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 7.2 .
 
 
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7.2.       Termination.    This Marketing  Agreement  may be terminated  prior to the end of the Term as follows:

(a)       by both Parties, upon mutual agreement in writing;

(b)       by a Party, upon the material breach of this Marketing  Agreement by the other Party and such other Party fails to cure such breach within a period of thirty (30) days following the receipt of written notice from the non-breaching  Party setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such breach; or

(c)       by  GEL,   in  its  sole  discretion,   if  (i)  Lazarus   is  in  breach  of  the Construction  Contract or the Supply Agreement, and GEL or its Affiliate, as applicable, elects to terminate either of such agreements or (ii) GEL or its Affiliate terminates the Construction Contract pursuant to Section 18.5 of that agreement.
 
7.3.      Force Majeure.   Neither Lazarus nor GEL shall be required to perform any term, condition or covenant in this Marketing Agreement so long as such performance is delayed or prevented by Force Majeure.  The term "Force Majeure" as used herein shall mean any cause not reasonably  within the control  of Lazarus  or GEL, as the case  may be (other  than inability  to make monetary payments) and which by the exercise  of due diligence  Lazarus or GEL (as the case may be) is unable, wholly or in part, to prevent or overcome,.including without limitation, acts  of  God,  strikes,  lockouts,  boycotts,  material  or  labor  restrictions  by  any  governmental authority and civil riot.   Lazarus and GEL shall give prompt written notice to the other, as the case may be, of any such event or circumstance  of Force Majeure, and each Party shall cooperate in good faith with the other to minimize and mitigate the impact of any such event or occurrence and do all things commercially reasonable under the circumstances to achieve such goal.
 
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

8.1.      Warranties and Representations.  Each of the Parties represents and warrants that (a) the execution, delivery and performance  of this Marketing  Agreement  by such Party (i) has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action and (ii) does not require the consent or approval of any other Person, (b) neither the execution nor delivery of this Marketing Agreement  nor fulfillment  of or compliance  with the terms and provisions  hereof will conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or instrument (including, without limitation, any of its formation or governing documents) to which such Party is now subject, and (c) this Marketing Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation  of such Party, enforceable  against it in accordance  with its terms.
 
 
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8.2.     Confidentiality   of   Information.    The Parties acknowledge that during the performance of this Marketing Agreement, confidential or proprietary information (the "Confidential Information") may become known to the other Party.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Marketing Agreement, each Party shall protect the Confidential Information of the other Party with the same degree of care it uses to protect its own Confidential Information, but not less than a reasonable degree of care, and shall not use such information to its own benefit or the benefit of third parties; provided that the Party disclosing such Confidential Information has notified the Party receiving the information of its confidential nature at the time such information was disclosed. The obligations of this article will remain valid for a period of two (2) years after the termination of this Marketing Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the term "Confidential Information" shall not include: (i) information or data which as of the date of this Marketing Agreement is in the public domain or is otherwise generally available to the public; (ii) information or data that after the date of this Marketing Agreement is published or otherwise becomes part of the public domain or becomes generally available to the public other than through a breach of the terms of this Marketing Agreement; (iii) information or data which either Party can reasonably show was not acquired by such Party directly or indirectly from the other Party or anyone under an obligation of confidentiality to such other Party; (iv) information or data received by the either Party without restriction as to disclosure from a third Person without breach of any obligation to the other Party; (v) information which is or was independently developed by either Party without use of or reference to the Confidential Information of the other Party by Persons who had no access to such Confidential Information; and (vi) any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in the real property county records of any jurisdiction to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Marketing Agreement as set forth in Section   8.6 , any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in accordance with Sections 2.3 and/or 11.7 of the Supply Agreement, or any information filed by GEL or its affiliates in accordance with Section 9.1 of the Construction Contract.
 
8.3.     Survival  of  Obligations .   No  termination  of  this  Marketing  Agreement, for whatever reason, shall relieve the Parties of or release the Parties from any indemnification obligation  set  forth  in  this Marketing  Agreement,  or  the  obligations  and  provisions  of Section 8.2, Section 8.4 and Section 8.5 of this Marketing Agreement, all of which shall survive such termination.
 
8.4.      LIMITATION OF LIABILITY .    NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION  OF  THIS  MARKETING  AGREEMENT, NEITHER  PARTY  OR  ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR ITS AFFILIATES  FOR  ANY  SPECIAL,  INDIRECT,  INCIDENTAL, OR  CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED OR ATTRIBUTABLE TO THIS MARKETING AGREEMENT OR LOST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY) LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS  UNDER  THIS  MARKETING  AGREEMENT,  WHETHER  SUCH LIABILITY ARISES IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE.
 
8.5.      Preservation  of Liability .   Neither this Marketing  Agreement  nor the exercise by any Party of (or the failure to so exercise) any right, power or remedy conferred herein or by law shall be construed as relieving any Party from liability hereunder.
 
 
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8.6.      Binding   Effect;  Duration .  The  rights  and  obligations   set  forth  under  this Marketing Agreement, including, but not limited to (i) the right of access by GEL to the Facility pursuant to Section 5.6(c) and (ii) payment of sums due to each Party under this Marketing Agreement, are obligations that run with the land so as to be forever binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns.   Lazarus hereby agrees that GEL may file appropriate documentation in the real property county records of any jurisdiction as deemed necessary in the sole discretion of GEL to provide notice to third parties of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Marketing Agreement.
 
8.7.      Notices . Any record, notice, demand or document  which either Party is required or may desire to give hereunder shall be in writing and, except to the extent provided in the other provisions of this Marketing Agreement, given by messenger, facsimile or other electronic transmission,   or  United  States  registered  or  certified  mail,  postage  prepaid,  return  receipt requested,  addressed to such Party at its address and telecopy  number shown  below, or at such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other by notice given in accordance with this provision:

If to GEL, to:
GEL Tex Marketing, LLC
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, TX 77002
Attention:  Karen Pape
Telephone:  (713) 860-2500
Facsimile:  (713) 860-2640
E-Mail: karen.pape@genlp.com
 
 
 
If to Lazarus, to: Lazarus Energy LLC
3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3300
Houston, Texas  77027
Attention: Jonathan Carroll, Manager
Telephone: (713) 850-0513
Facsimile: (713) 850-0520
E-Mail: JCarroll@LazarusEnergy.com
 
 
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8.8.      Choice   of   Law.    THIS MARKETING AGREEMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

8.9.      Dispute   Resolution . Any and all disputes between the Parties pursuant or relating to this Marketing Agreement shall be governed by and subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement.  This Marketing Agreement shall be subject to the terms of the Dispute Resolution Agreement in all respects, and the terms and provisions of the Dispute Resolution Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference.

8.10.    Amendment   and   Waiver.   This Marketing Agreement may not be amended (nor may any of its terms be waived) except by a written document signed by both Parties, stating that it is intended to amend this Marketing Agreement.

8.11.    Severabilitv.     If  any  provision  of  this  Marketing  Agreement  is  rendered or declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by a judicial decision which shall have become final, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of this Marketing Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

8.12.    Survival of Agreements .  All representations and warranties of GEL and Lazarus herein, and all covenants and agreements herein not fully performed before the Effective Date of this Marketing Agreement, shall survive such date.

8.13.   Counterparts .  This Marketing Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and it shall not be necessary that the signatures of both Parties hereto be contained on any one counterpart hereof.  Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

8.14.    Successors and Assigns . The terms of this Marketing Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective successors or heirs, assigns and personal representatives.  Neither Party shall in any way assign or otherwise transfer the obligations or the benefits of this Marketing Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt by to do any of the foregoing without the prior written consent of the other Party shall be void and of no effect; provided , however, that GEL may assign this Marketing Agreement without the consent of Lazarus to an affiliate of GEL, a creditor or to any" successor in interest (including a purchaser of GEL or all or substantially all of its assets).

8.15.    Titles of Articles, Sections and Subsections .   All titles or headings to articles, sections,  subsections  or  other  divisions  of  this  Marketing  Agreement  are  only  for  the convenience of the parties and shall not be construed to have any effect or meaning with respect to the other content of such articles, sections, subsections or other divisions, such other content being controlling as to the agreement between the Parties hereto.
 
 
19

 
 
8.16.    Joint  Drafting .    Each  Party acknowledges that  it  and  its  legal counsel  have actively participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Marketing Agreement and, as such, this Marketing Agreement will be construed as having been jointly drafted by the Parties.

8.17.    Conflicting Terms .  In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Marketing Agreement and the terms of the Construction Contract, the terms of the Construction Contract will control.

8.18.    Acknowledgment   ofExculpatorv   Provisions .  Each Party acknowledges that it (a) has had the benefit of independent legal counsel of its choosing in connection with the drafting and negotiation of this Marketing Agreement, (b) has consulted (or had ample opportunity to consult) with its legal counsel with respect to this Marketing Agreement prior to the Effective Date, (c) has a duty to read-and has in fact read-this Marketing Agreement prior to executing it, (d) is fully informed and has notice of all of the terms and conditions of this Marketing Agreement.   Each Party further acknowledges that this Marketing Agreement obligates such Party to assume liability for and indemnify the other Party and other Persons against certain liabilities.   Each Party agrees that it will not contest the validity or enforceability of any exculpatory  provision  in  this  Marketing  Agreement on  the  basis  that  it  had  no  notice  or knowledge of the provision or that the provision is not "conspicuous."

8.19.    Relationship of the Parties .  The obligations of the Parties shall be several and not joint, and neither Party shall have the right or power to bind the other Party to any agreement without the prior written consent of such other Party.  This Marketing Agreement does not create a partnership, a corporation, or an entity taxable as a corporation or otherwise.  Nothing in this Marketing Agreement shall be deemed to constitute one Party a partner, agent or legal representative of the other Party or to create any fiduciary relationship between the Parties, except as may exist independent of this Marketing Agreement.

8.20.    FINAL   AGREEMENT.    THIS  MARKETING AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE   FINAL  AGREEMENT   BETWEEN   THE   PARTIES  WITH   RESPECT   TO   THE MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN AND THEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
 

[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
 
 
20

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this instrument to be executed by its duly authorized undersigned officers effective as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
21

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this instrument to be executed by its duly authorized undersigned officers effective as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
22

 
 
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL   DESCRIPTION

Being a 56.309 ACRE TRACT situated George McPeters Survey, A-419, Wilson County, Texas, Said 56.309 ACRE TRACT is that tract conveyed by Bill Klingemann, Substitute Trustee, to Notre Dame Investors, Inc. by Substitute Trustee's Deed, in Volume 1!59  at Page 609, dated May 06, 2003 and is comprised of all the tract called 5!.30 acres in conveyance from Leal Petroleum Corporation to American Petro Chemical Corporation recorded in Volume 842 at Page 705 and all of a tract called 5.000 acres in conveyance from Notre Dame Refining Corporation to American Petro Chemical Corporation recorded in Volume 1049 at Page 651 of the Official Records of said county and being described by metes and bounds as follows:

BEGINNING at a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northwest comer of the tract herein described, same being the northwest comer of said 51.30 acre tract, northeast comer of a tract called Tract 2-B (4!.245  acres) in Volume 685 at Page 101, lying in   the south line of a tract called 7.654 acres in Volume 271 at Page 30, further described as lying in the south line of U.S. Highway No. 87; said point bears N 76 o     16'  00" E, 1495.62 feet from a concrete right of way marker found;

THENCE with a segment of the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 5!.30 acre tract and said 7.654 acre tract, along a segment of the south line of U.S. Highway 87, N 76 o   16' 00" E, 140.71 feet (called N 76 o   16' E, 140.0 feet- basis of bearing) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a north comer of the tract herein described, same being the north comer of said 5!.30 acre tract, northwest comer residue called 640 acres in Volume X at Page 136;

THENCE continuing with the north line of the tract herein described, same being the common line of said 51.30 acre tract with that of said residue 640 acre tract and a tract called 1.666 acres in Volume 1030 at Page 772 as follows:

S 13° 27' 49" E, 208.63 feet (called S 13° 37' E, 207.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer, N 76° 26' 34" E, 368.79 feet (called N 76° 29' E, 368.4 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A), N 76° 28' 28" E, 31.40 feet (called N 76° 49' E, 31.4 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer,

S 13° 55' 25" E, 238.17 feet (called S 14° 00' E, 238.0 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer of said residue 640 acre tract, N 76° 06° 05" E, at 386.77 feet a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at, 388.52, (N   76° 16' E, 383.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking a re-entrant comer of he (the) tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said residue 640 acre tract and

N 13° 36' 45" W, at !.84  feet a one inch diameter iron pipe found and at 446,92 feet (called N 13° 37' W, 447.1 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar found marking a north comer of the tract herein described, same being the northeast comer of said 1.666 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract, further described as lying in the south line of U.S. Highway 87;
 
 
 

 
 
THENCE continuing  with the north line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common  line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 5.000 acre tract with that of said 7.654 acre tract, along a segment of the south line of U.S. Highway 87 as follows:
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 275.15 feet (called N 76° 16' E, 275.3 feet) to a railroad spike found in asphalt driveway,

N 81 o   58' 38" E, 100.50 feet (called N 82° 12' E, 99.2 feet) to a one-half diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),
 
N 76° 16' 00" E, 800.00 feet (called N 76° 14' E 800.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),

N 70° 33' 22" E, 100.50 feet (called N 70° 43' E, 101.2 feet) to a concrete  right of way marker found broken, and

N 76° 16' 00" E, 464.56 feet (in total called No record call, and N 75° 02' 04" E 278 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A) marking the northeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the northeast comer of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the south line of said 7.654 acre tract,  being the northwest  comer  of a tract called 200.008  acres in Volume  691 at Page 41; said point bearsS 76° 16' 00" W, 278.37 feet from an iron pipe found;
 
THENCE with the east line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said  5.000  acre  tract  and said  51.30  acre tract with that of said  200.008  acre tract as follows:
 
S 13° 43' 44" E, 783.78 feet (called S 15° 01' E, 783.5 feet) to a five-eighths inch diameter rebar found near a two way fence comer marking the east most southeast comer of the tract herein described,  same  being  the southeast  comer  of said  5.000  acre  tract, re-entrant  comer  of said 200.008 acre tract,
 
S 76° 16' 39" W, 277.87 feet (called S 75° 02' 04" W, 278 feet) to a five-eighths  inch diameter rebar found marking a re-entrant  comer of the tract herein described, same being the southwest comer  of said 5.000 acre tract, lying in the east line of said 51.30 acre tract and being a north comer of said 200.008 acre tract, and

S 13° 24' 23" E, 261.29 feet (called S 13° 24' E, 261.7 feet) to a four inch diameter iron pipe post fence comer  marking the south most southeast comer of the tract herein described, same being the southeast comer of said 51.30 acre tract and re-entrant comer of said 200.008 acre tract;
 
THENCE with the south line of the tract herein described, same being a segment of the common line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 200.008 acre tract as follows:
 
 
 

 
 
S 76° 08' 20" W, 768.00 feet (called S 76° 10'   W, 768.0 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A), and S 76° 15' 20" W, 1619.78  feet (called S 76° 17' W, 1619.8 feet) to a five-eighths  inch  diameter  rebar found  near a three  way fence  comer  marking  the  southwest comer  of the tract herein  described,  same being the southwest  comer  of said 51.30  acre tract, lying in the north line of said 200.008  acre tract and being the southeast  comer of said 41.245 acre tract;
 
THENCE  with the west line of the tract herein described, same being the common  line of said 51.30 acre tract and said 41.245 acre tract as follows:

N 13° 57' 38" W, 223.50 feet (called N 13° 55' W, 223.5 feet) to a one-half inch diameter rebar set with cap (B&A),
N 13° 53' 37" W, 373.70 feet (called N 13° 51' W, 373.7 feet) to a fence post, and
 
N 13° 49' 38" W, 449.84 feet (called N 13° 47' W, 448.8 feet) to the PLACE OF BEGINNING and containing 56.309 ACRES OF LAND.
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit B
 
Distribution of Gross Profits
 
Gross Profits shall be distributed by GEL on a monthly basis from Gross Profits for the immediately preceding calendar month as follows:

(a)    First, prior to the Investment Threshold Date, $150,000 (the "Base Construction   Payment" ) shall be paid to GEL (for subsequent remittance to MSI) each calendar month to satisfy interest, Advances and Obligations due under the Construction Contract; provided , however, that if Gross Profits in any calendar month are insufficient to satisfy the Base Construction Payment, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, 100% of the Gross Profit in subsequent calendar months shall be paid to GEL (for subsequent remittance to MSI) until any such insufficiencies have been satisfied in full (in either instance, such payment will be referred to herein as the " Construction   Payment" ).
 
(b)    Second, prior to and as of the Investment Threshold Date and subject to increases in the percentage to be paid to GEL to satisfy Base Construction Payment insufficiencies as set forth in   clause (a) above, Lazarus shall receive weekly payments (the "Operations Payments") based on revenues from the sales of diesel blendstocks processed by the Facility (the " Diesel   Blendstock   Payments" ) which shall not exceed on a monthly basis $750,000 plus the amount of any Accounting Fees and shall be applied to the  payment  of  monthly  Operating  Expenses  of  the  Facility.     If  any  monthly reconciliation conducted by GEL shows that the Gross Profits for a monthly period are greater than $900,000 plus the amount of any Accounting Fees, then Lazarus will receive Operations Payments of up to $750,000 plus an amount equal to any Accounting Fees for such monthly period before additional disbursements are made to GEL beginning as set forth in clause (c) below.  If such monthly reconciliation shows that the Gross Profits for a monthly period are less than $900,000, then Lazarus shall receive Operations Payments equal to  the  difference  between  the  Gross  Profits for  such  monthly  period and  the proceeds defined in clause (a) above.

(c)     Third, prior to the Investment Threshold Date and subject to the Base Construction Payment and the Operations Payments to be paid to GEL and Lazarus, respectively, pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above, an amount shall be paid to GEL from the Gross Profits equal to (i) the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of the Nixon Product undertaken by GEL pursuant to Section   4.4 of the Marketing Agreement for the applicable calendar month (as reimbursement for such expenses), (ii)   the Tank Storage Fee (as such term is defined in the Supply Agreement) and (iii) Financial Statement Preparation Fee (if any), after which GEL shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits as the GEL Profit Share, and subject to Section   5.2(b)(ii) of the Marketing Agreement, Lazarus shall be paid 20% of such remaining Gross Profits as the Lazarus Profit Share.

(d)    Fourth, as of the Investment Threshold Date and subject to the payment of, first, an amount equal to $150,000 paid to GEL as an administrative fee relating to the performance  of its obligations  under the Marketing  Agreement  (the " Performance   Fee" ) and, second, the Operations Payments to be paid to Lazarus pursuant to clause (b) above (in that order), for each applicable calendar month an amount shall be paid to GEL from the Gross Profits equal to (i) the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation  of the Nixon Product undertaken  by GEL pursuant to Section   4.4 of the Marketing Agreement for  the applicable  calendar  month,  as reimbursement  for such  expenses,  (ii) the Tank Storage Fee (as such term is defined in the Supply Agreement) for reimbursement  of such expense and (iii) the Financial Statement Preparation Fee (if any).   After the payment to Lazarus and GEL of the amounts set forth in the first sentence of this clause (d), 30% of the amount of the remaining Gross Profit up to $600,000 (the "Threshold  Amount") shall be  paid  to  GEL  as  the  GEL  Profit  Share,  and  subject  to  Section  5.2(b)(ii)  of  the Marketing Agreement, Lazarus shall be paid 70% of such remaining Gross Profits as the Lazarus Profit Share.  Any amount of remaining Gross Profit that exceeds the Threshold Amount  for  such applicable  calendar  month  shall be paid  to GEL  and Lazarus  in the following  manner:    GEL  shall  be paid  20%  of  the  remaining  Gross  Profits  over  the Threshold  Amount  as the  GEL  Profit  Share,  and  subject  to  Section  5.2(b)( ii )  of  the Marketing Agreement, Lazarus shall be paid 80% of the remaining Gross Profits over the Threshold Amount as the Lazarus Profit Share.
 
 
 

 

(e)     Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary in this Exhibit   B , if, after the Investment Threshold Date, GEL sustains any losses and does not receive any portion of the Performance  Fee, the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation  of the Nixon Product  undertaken  by  GEL pursuant  to Section   4.4 of the Marketing  Agreement,  the amount equal to the Tank Storage Fee or the Financial Statement Preparation Fee (if any) owed to it under clause (d) above due to a failure of the Facility to generate sufficient Gross Profits during a calendar  month (a "Deficit  Month"),  for each subsequent  month after such Deficit Month, GEL and Lazarus shall be paid, respectively, (after payment of the Performance Fee and the Operations Payments to GEL and Lazarus, respectively, for such subsequent month) 80% of the remaining Gross Profits as the GEL Profit Share, and subject to Section   5.2(b)(ii) of the Marketing Agreement,  20% of such remaining Gross Profits as the Lazarus  Profit Share, until such time as GEL is repaid in the following order:  (i)  for  such  losses  incurred  during  the  Deficit  Month,  (ii)  the  portion  of  the Performance  Fee not  paid  during  such  Deficit  Month,  (iii)  the  portion  of the amount equal to the Tank Storage Fee not paid during such deficit Month and (iv) the portion of the Financial Statement Preparation  Fee (if any) that would have otherwise  been paid to GEL during such Deficit Month.  The Parties shall be paid pursuant to clause (d) above beginning in the month after which all losses incurred by GEL during any Deficit Month and all amounts otherwise owed to GEL that were not paid during any Deficit Month are paid to GEL in full.
 
 
2

 
 
Exhibit C

Form of Customer Notice Directing Payment  to GEL

(see attached)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

GEL TEX MARKETING, LLC
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
 
______________ __, 20__
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
 
Re:             Notice   of   Direction   of   Payments
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Pursuant to that certain Joint Marketing Agreement dated August 12, 2011, by and between Lazarus Energy LLC ("Lazarus") and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC ("GEL") (the "Agreement"),  Lazarus  has  appointed  GEL  as  its  collection  agent  for  all  payments  from customers for the purchase of refined and processed crude oil, condensate and other liquid hydrocarbon  substances  from  the  Lazarus  refining  facility  in  Nixon,  Texas  (the  "Nixon Product").
 
Pursuant  to   the   Agreement,   you   are  hereby  authorized  and   directed,  effective immediately, to make all payments for the purchase of Nixon Product to:
Account:
[Insert account information]
If by check, checks should be made payable to GEL and mailed to: GEL Tex Marketing, LLC
 
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Reference: Lazarus Energy, LLC
This notice of direction of payment is irrevocable, and you should continue to remit such payments as set forth above until you receive other written instructions signed by an authorized officer of GEL and Lazarus.
 
Please signify your understanding and agreement to comply with the terms hereof by signing in the indicated space below and returning a copy of this letter to: GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, 919 Milam, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77002, with a copy to Mr. Douglas C. Atnipp, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
 
 
 

 
 
 
Very truly yours,
 
     
 
GEL   TEX   MARKETING,   LLC   ,
 
 
a Delaware limited liability company
 
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
       
       
  LAZARUS ENERGY LLC,  
 
a Delaware limited liability company
 
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
 
Acknowledged and Agreed to this ______ day of _____________, 20__.
 
   
     
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT D
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR DELIVERY  OF LAZARUS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(see attached)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Exhibit D
 
Requirements for Delivery of Lazarus Financial Statements
 
Lazarus to provide MSI with the following financial statements, along with the sufficient detail and back up needed for MSI to comply with its SEC reporting requirements.  Supporting detail information for the above statements must be timely and sufficient to allow MSI to complete its related financial statement footnotes and Management Discussion and Analysis. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

•      Income Statement
•      Balance Sheet
•      Cash Flow Statement
•      Statement of Members' Equity
 
Additionally, the following operational information should be provided:

•      Volumetric Accounting Reports (daily operational reports, sununarized monthly)
o      Includes Nixon Facility inputs (crude oil) and outputs (refined products)
 
 

EXHIBIT 10.4
 

GEL   T EX   M ARKETING,   LLC
 
June 1, 2012
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER
 
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
c/o Lazarus Energy  Holdings LLC
801 Travis, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas  77002
Attention:  Jonathan Carroll
 
 
Re:
Confirmation of amounts owed by Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (" Lazarus "), to GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delmvare limited liability company (" GEL "), pursuant to that certain Joint Marketing Agreement, dated as of August12, 2011 (as amended, the " Marketing Agreement "), by and between Lazarus and GEL.
 
Dear Mr. Catroll:

We are providing you with this Acknowledgment Letter in connection with the Marketing Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Acknowledgement Letter have the meanings given them in the Marketing Agreement.

The current outstanding  balance as of the date hereof of all monetary obligations owed by Lazarus to GEL pursuant to the Marketing Agreement due to losses sustained by Lazarus during any Deficit Month is as follows (such total amount being the " Deficit Amount "):
 
Over Advance amount for the Lazarus Operational Payments:
  $ 1,008,890.42  
         
Underpayment amount for the Third Party Transpmtation Costs:
  $ 964,645.72  
         
Underpayment amount for the Tank Storage Fees:
  $ 314,912.95  
         
Underpayment  amount for the Inspection Payments:
  $ 54,563.20  
         
Underpayment  amount for the GEL Transportation Costs 1 :
  $ 54,280.00  
         
Underpayment  amount to GEL for the Base Construction Payment':
  $ 3,882.21  
         
Total Aggregate Deficit Amount:
  $ 2,401,174.50  
         
1 : As of April 30, 2012; subject to change as of May 31. 201 2.
Note: Deficit Amount excludes crude oil and refined product inventories and obligations.
       
 
 
 

 

June l , 2012
Page 2
 
In accordance with Exhibit B of the Marketing Agreement, GEL shall not remit to Lazarus any payments of the Lazarus Profit Share  until the subsequent  calendar month after the date upon which the profits from the sale of the Nixon Product at the Facility provide for a full payment of the Deficit Amount to GEL as noted on the previous page of th i s Acknowledgement  Letter, or any future Deficit Amount that has not been paid in full.

Lazarus shall hereby deliver to GEL the following requested information prior to any additional monies, incl uding Operational Payments, being remitted to Lazarus by GEL.
 
1.)  Minimum operating expense budget detail
 
2.)  Detailed list of outstanding operating expenses to be paid
 
3.)  Confirmation receipts and records for all sales tax payments remitted by Lazarus to the state and federal government
 
 
[Signature page to follow]
 
 
 

 

Please confim your agreement  with this Acknowledgement  Letter by signing and returning to us a copy of this document. Thank you for your assistance.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER
 
 

EXHIBIT 10.5
 
June 25, 2012
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
801 Travis, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas  77002
Attention:  Jonathan Carroll
 
GEL Tex Marketing, LLC
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Steve Nathanson
 
Re:     Letter Agreement Regarding Expense Payments and Reservation of Rights

Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain (i) Joint Marketing Agreement, dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "JMA"), by and between Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Lazarus"), and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("GEL") and (ii) Construction and Funding Contract, dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "CFC"), by and between Lazarus and Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MSI"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the CFC.
 
Lazarus, GEL and MSI hereby agree that MSI shall provide weekly payments to, or on behalf of (as further detailed below), Lazarus, commencing on Monday, June 25, 2012 and continuing through Monday, July 30,2012, each in the amount of$187,500 (which shall include $170,250 paid directly to Lazarus weekly and $17,250 paid directly to the Lien Holder on a cumulative monthly basis, together the "Payments"). The portion of the Payments paid to Lazarus weekly shall be used by Lazarus for the sole and exclusive purpose of paying Operating Expenses (as defined in the JMA) of the Facility. By execution of this Letter Agreement, Lazarus agrees and acknowledges (a) t at the Payments are not an obligation of GEL under the JMA, the CFC or any other Contract Document, (b) that neither MSI nor GEL is in any way required or obligated to provide any further payments relating to the Operating Expenses beyond GEL's express obligations provided under the terms and conditions of the JMA, and (c) that Lazarus will deliver to GEL, on a semi-monthly basis beginning on the date hereof, written budget reports reflecting (i) all actual, itemized operating expenses of the Facility for the two week period immediately preceding the report due date and (ii) all projected, itemized operating expenses of the Facility for the two week period immediately following the report due date. All amounts included in the Payments shall for all purposes of the Contract Documents be deemed and treated to be Obligations.
 
 
 

 
 
The parties further agree that weekly meetings shall be held between Lazarus and GEL to discuss the marketing efforts and general operations of the Facility. Jonathan Carroll shall act as Chairman of such meetings, with attendance from Steve Wilson, who shall represent Lazarus. Steve Nathanson, or his designee(s), shall attend representing GEL. The meetings will include but not be limited to discussion on crude purchases; refinery crude throughput rates, operational issues, human resource matters, inventory levels of all finished products, sales commitments and finished product prices.
 
NOTHING IN THIS LETTER AGREEMENT NOR THE PAYMENT OF THE EXPENSE PAYMENTS TO LAZARUS SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO WAIVE, AMEND OR OTHERWISE MODIFY ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO LAZARUS, GEL OR MSI PURSUANT TO THE JMA, THE CFC OR ANY OTHER CONTRACT DOCUMENT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE (WHICH RIGHTS SHALL BE CUMULATIVE), OR RELEASE GEL, MSI OR LAZARUS FROM ANY OBLIGATIONS RELATING THERETO. The terms of the JMA, the CFC and all other Contract Documents shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of Lazarus, GEL and MSI and their respective successors and assigns.

 
[Signature pages follow.]
 
 
2

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Letter Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 

EXHIBIT 10.6
 
July 30, 2012
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
801 Travis, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas   77002
Attention:  Jonathan Carroll

GEL Tex Marketing, LLC
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas   77002
Attention:  Steve Nathanson
 
Re:     Amendment to Letter Agreement Regarding Expenses Payments and Reservation of Rights

Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain (i) Joint Marketing Agreement, dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "JMA"), by and between Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Lazarus"), and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("GEL"), (ii) Construction and Funding Contract, dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented fi:om time to time, the "CFC"), by and between Lazarus and Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MSI") and (i) Letter Agreement dated June 25, 2012 by and between GEL, MSI and Lazarus regarding expense payments and reservations of rights ("June Letter Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the CFC.
 
Lazarus, GEL and MSI hereby agree to amend the June Letter Agreement by (i) deleting the reference to "Monday July 30, 2012" in the fust sentence of the second paragraph and substituting therefor "Friday August 31, 2012" and (ii) agreeing that the Payments previously made or to be made can be made by either MSI or GEL as determined by MSI and GEL.
 
By execution of this Letter Agreement, Lazarus agrees and acknowledges that the Payments are not an obligation of GEL under this Letter Agreement or the June 25 Letter Agreement and may be discontinued by GEL in its sole discretion at any time.
 
NOTHING IN THIS LETTER AGREEMENT NOR THE  PAYMENT OF THE EXPENSE PAYMENTS TO LAZARUS SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO WAIVE, AMEND OR OTHERWISE MODIFY ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES AVAIALBLE TO LAZARUS, GEL OR MSI PURSUANT TO THE JMA, THE CFC, THE JUNE 25 LETTER AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CONTRACT DOCUMENT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE (WHICH RIGHTS SHALL BE CUMULATIVE), OR RELEASE GEL, MSJ OR LAZARUS FROM ANY OBLIGATIONS RELATING THERETO.  The terms of the JMA, the CFC, the June 25 Letter Agreement (such June 25 Letter Agreement, as amended hereby) and all other Contract Documents shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of Lazarus, GEL and MSI and their respective successors and assigns.

[Signature page follows.]
 
 
 

 

IN  WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Letter Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
 

EXHIBIT 10.7
 
August 1, 2012
 
Lazarus Energy LLC
801 Travis, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Jonathan Carroll
 
GEL TEX Marketing, LLC
Milam Services, Inc.
919 Milam, Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Steve Nathanson
 
Re: Letter Agreement Regarding Distribution of Nixon Products Revenues
 
Gentlemen:
 
Reference is made to that certain (i) Joint Marketing Agreement dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "JMA"), by and between Lazarus Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Lazarus"), and GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("GEL"), (ii) Construction and Funding Contract dated August 12, 2011 (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "CFC"), by and between Lazarus and Milam Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MSI"), (iii) Crude Oil   Supply and Throughput Services Agreement dated August 12, 2011 by and between GEL and Lazarus, (iv) Letter Agreement dated June 25, 2012 by and between GEL, MSI and Lazarus regarding expense payments and reservations of rights ("Operating Expense Payment Letter Agreement"), and (v) Acknowledgement Letter dated June 1, 2012 addressed to Lazarus by GEL (the "Acknowledgment  Letter").  Capitalized terms not otherwise defmed herein shall have the meanings set forth in the CFC.
 
The parties to this Letter Agreement desire to set forth certain acknowledgements and agree to certain modifications to the JMA   as more particularly set forth herein.
 
 
 

 
 
Section   1 . Acknowledgements
 
The parties agree that Lazarus owes to GEL the principal sum of$2,342,324.00 (the "Deficit Crude Amount") for Costs of Crude Oil  for Crude Oil as defined in the Supply Agreement  delivered in the months of May and June 2012 which remain unpaid since the delivery thereof.  Under the JMA and the Supply Agreement, the Deficit Crude Amount must be paid from total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Products in subsequent months.  The parties further agree that the current outstanding principal balance as of the date hereof of all other obligations owed to GEL or to Milam pursuant to the JMA, the Operating Expense Letter Agreement or the Acknowledgement Letter (excluding amounts funded by Milam under the CFC) due to losses sustained by Lazarus during months in which total revenues from the sale of the Nixon Products were not sufficient is $1,984,152.00 (the "Other Deficit Amounts" and together with the Deficit Crude Amount, the "Deficit Amounts").
 
Section   2 .   Modifications   to   Distributions   and   Payments   Provisions   of   JMA.
 
The amount (the" Available Proceeds") equal to the sum of total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Products for a calendar month less the Costs of Crude Oil for such calendar month and less the Costs of Crude Oil unpaid for any prior months (other than the Deficit Crude Amount) shall be distributed as follows:
 
(i) an amount equal to the "Advanced Lazarus Profit Share" shall be paid directly to 1st International to be applied by 1st International in   accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement; and
 
(ii) the remaining Available Proceeds, to the extent sufficient, shall be distributed in the following order of priority: (1) to GEL an amount equal to the then outstanding balance of the Deficit Crude Amount; (2) to GEL an amount equal to the Construction Payment; (3) to Lazarus an amount equal to the Operations Payment; (4) to GEL an amount equal to the expenses incurred by GEL for the transportation of the Nixon Products undertaken by GEL pursuant to Section 4.4 of the JMA (including any amounts owing from prior months other than the Other Deficit Amounts); (5) to GEL an amount equal to the Financial Statement Preparation Fees, if any (including any amounts owing from prior months other than the Other Deficit Amounts); (6) to GEL an amount equal to Tank Storage Fees (as such term is defined in the Supply Agreement) paid by GEL (including any amounts owing from prior months other than the Other Deficit Amounts); (7) to GEL an amount equal to Other Deficit Amounts; (8) to GEL, as the GEL Profit Share, an amount equal to 80% of the sum of the remaining balance plus the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share for the applicable month; and (9) any remaining amounts to Lazarus as the Lazarus Profit Share, provided however if in any month the Advanced Lazarus Profit Share is greater than the Lazarus Profit Share, the amount of such excess shall be paid to GEL the following month(s) out of the Lazarus Profit Share.
 
 
 

 
 
The Advanced Lazarus Share shall be determined as follows: (A minus B) times (1/2 of20%);where A is the amount of Available Proceeds; and B is the sum of items (2)(Construction Payment for applicable month), (3) (Operations Payment for applicable month), (4)(Transportation expenses for applicable month), (5)(Financial Statement Preparation Fees for applicable month) and (6)(Tank Storage Fees for applicable month) listed in this Section 2(ii), excluding however (to the extent applicable) any arrearages in such items attributable to prior months.
 
Section 3 .  Term; Other Agreements
 
(a) The provisions of Section 2 of this Letter Agreement shall apply and replace the provisions of Sections 4.2, 5.2 and Exhibit B ofthe JMA   that provide for distributions and payments different from those set forth in Section 2 of this Letter Agreement until the earlier of(i) the termination of the Forbearance Period and the Extended Forbearance Period (as such terms are defined in the Forbearance Agreement dated August 12, 2011 between 1st International, Lazarus, Jonathan P. Carroll, Gina L. Carroll, Lazarus Energy Holdings LLC, GEL and MSI (the "Forbearance  Agreement") ,(ii) a notice of termination is delivered by GEL to Lazarus stating that GEL elects to terminate the provisions of Section 2 of this Letter Agreement, which Lazarus acknowledges that GEL may do in its sole discretion, or (iii) GEL has been paid in full all Deficit Amounts and has received an amount equal to 80% of all amounts paid to 1st International pursuant to Section 2(i) of this Letter Agreement.  When the provisions of Section 2 of this Letter Agreement cease to be effective and for the period from and after such time, all provisions of Sections 4.2, 5.2 and Exhibit B of the JMA shall apply to any future distributions of total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Products , and the Deficit Crude Amount remaining unpaid, if any, shall be paid from the total revenue from the sale of the Nixon Products in   subsequent months.
 
(b) Any Costs of Crude Oil for Crude Oil delivered after the month of June 2012 which are not paid for in full from total revenue from the sale of Nixon Products in an applicable calendar month shall be paid from total revenue from the sale of the
Nixon Products in   subsequent months prior to the determination of Gross Profits or Available Proceeds, until such amounts are indefeasibly paid in full.
 
 
 

 
 
(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in   this Letter Agreement, the Deficit Amounts, until indefeasibly paid in full, shall constitute and be a part of Obligations (as such term is defined in the CFC).  In addition, nothing herein shall modify or otherwise alter any security interests of GEL under the Supply Agreement, the JMA, the CFC, the Operating Expense Payment Letter Agreement, the Acknowledgement Letter or any Project Document.
 
Sectio n 4 . Certain Representations
 
(a) Each party hereby represents to the other that (a) it has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Letter Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) the execution and delivery of this Letter Agreement by such party have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such party and (c) this Letter Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such party and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and the discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be brought.
 
(b) Lazarus hereby represents and warrants to GEL that, after giving effect to this Letter Agreement, all conditions and requirements for the extension of the Forbearance Agreement for another 12 months period as set forth in Section 2(b) of the Forbearance Agreement have been satisfied and no Forbearance Termination Event, as defined in the Forbearance Agreement has occurred, and no facts or circumstance exist that would cause a Forbearance Termination Event to occur under the Forbearance Agreement.
 
As modified by this Letter Agreement, all of the terms of the JMA, CFC, Supply Agreement, Operating Expense Payment Letter Agreement, Acknowledgement Letter and other Project Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in   full force and effect.


 

Signature Page Follows
 
 
 

 
 
IN WI1NESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Letter Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives effective as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
 
 
5
EXHIBIT 31.1

I, Jonathan P. Carroll, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Registrant”).

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and we have:

a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)     Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)     Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)     Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5.  
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)     All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date: August 14, 2012
 
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL  
Jonathan P. Carroll  
Chief Executive Officer, President Assistant Treasurer and Secretary  
(Principal Executive Officer)  
 
 
EXHIBIT 31.2
 
I, Tommy L. Byrd, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Registrant”).

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and we have:

a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)     Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)     Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)     Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5.  
The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)     All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Date: August 14, 2012
 
/s/ TOMMY L. BYRD  
Tommy L. Byrd
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this Quarterly Report of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jonathan P. Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, President, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary (Principal Executive Officer) of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.           The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Date: August 14, 2012
 
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL  
Jonathan P. Carroll  
Chief Executive Officer, President, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this Quarterly Report of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Tommy L. Byrd, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (Principal  Financial Officer) of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.           The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Date: August 14, 2012
 
/s/ TOMMY L. BYRD
 
Tommy L. Byrd
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
 
(Principal Financial Officer)