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Environmental Studies Program Direction:
Platform Decommissioning and Removal
Objective: To identify the
impacts from full or partial platform removal and from depositing platform components
offshore, to develop guidelines and processes for use during removal, and to ensure
adequate cleanup afterwards.
 Many oil
and natural gas platforms and miles of associated pipelines located in the Gulf of Mexico
and off the California coast are reaching the end of their service lives. As shown in the
following figure, the average number of OCS platform removals is on the increase. The
disposal of platforms offshore as artificial reefs has been viewed as a potential benefit
as well as a hazard. Recent platform decommissioning and removals have raised concerns by
local governments and local populations—specifically, by recreational and commercial
fishermen who are concerned about the loss of fisheries and potential physical hazards.
Varying opinions exist on the benefits and drawbacks of a partial platform removal versus
a complete removal. A partial removal consists of removing those portions of the structure
that are located above the water’s surface and some portion of the structure below
the surface. For some, a good fishing spot remains; for others, an unseen hazard has been
left behind. Even a complete removal without proper clearing of the ocean floor can cause
hazards. These concerns challenge existing guidelines on the processes involved.
 Current technology available for platform removal includes bulk explosives,
shaped explosive charges, mechanical cutters, and underwater arc cutters. Use of
explosives is the most commonly used, safest, most cost-efficient, and most reliable
method for severing piles and conductors of platforms. However, current technology
surrounding alternative severing techniques may require trading off safety, cost
efficiency, and/or reliability.
The MMS has jointly sponsored several workshops to familiarize the public with the
decommissioning process and to disseminate information on upcoming projects. Also, an
internationally attended workshop was organized to address present decommissioning and
removal processes and known related impacts. Workshop participants identified the values
of ongoing practices and where and how improvements should be made.
Meeting the Need:
 | ESP research will further address the environmental effects of platform removal on air
quality, commercial/recreational fisheries, marine mammals, marine benthic organisms, and
water quality.
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| Long-term environmental and socioeconomic effects related to the disposition of oil and
natural gas facilities will be addressed specifically for commercial and recreational
fishing, habitat value of the facilities, use of platforms as artificial reefs, and
onshore disposition.
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For more information, contact Elizabeth
Burkhard.
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