INTERIM RULES ISSUED ON OCS SITE CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

The Minerals Management Service has issued interim rules for abandoned lease site clearance procedures in the Gulf of Mexico while it considers tougher regulations. MMS requires, upon termination of a lease, proper removal of all exploration/production objects installed on the lease and of debris to avoid conflict with other uses. However, MMS said, the shrimping industry has complained that some sites are not being properly cleared of debris and obstructions.

March 12, 1990

2 min read

The Minerals Management Service has issued interim rules for abandoned lease site clearance procedures in the Gulf of Mexico while it considers tougher regulations.

MMS requires, upon termination of a lease, proper removal of all exploration/production objects installed on the lease and of debris to avoid conflict with other uses.

However, MMS said, the shrimping industry has complained that some sites are not being properly cleared of debris and obstructions.

The interim procedures to be followed in verification of OCS structure removals include a stationary bottom scanning sonar search and site trawling by a contractor that has no corporate or financial ties to the company that performed the salvage work.

Areas to be cleared include a 300 ft radius around a wildcat or delineation well drilled with a mobile rig, 1,200 ft radius around a platform's geometric center, and 600 ft radius around single well caissons and well protectors.

Debris includes pipe, grating, plate, structural shapes, tires, batteries, wire rope, and hoses.

Verification work is to be completed within 30 days of completion of platform removal.

MMS has formed a committee to study the problem and make recommendations to revise its regulatory requirements. The committee is made up of representatives from the petroleum and shrimping industries, Louisiana state and parish governments, and MMS.