RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) published new proposed decommissioning regulations on July 7, 2000. The regulations include alternative platform removal depths, improved well plugging and site clearance procedures, and a statement supporting alternative uses for decommissioned facilities. This paper presents those regulations. To ensure that the best available and safest technology is used in decommissioning, MMS also analyzes current technology and participates in decommissioning research. This paper presents the results of the following decommissioning research: 1. Removing Large Platforms from Deepwater The MMS sponsored a project to study the most likely removal scenarios ~br three large platforms in deepwater. Platforms lifting, transporting, and disposal technology were analyzed. The analysis determined plausible decommissioning techniques and costs. 2. Pipeline Flushing Current practice is to flush the pipeline with 1.5 to 2 times the pipe volume, using inhibited seawater. MMS needed to determine the long-term effects of inhibitors. Various pipelines are under analysis to see if this practice is effective. Introduction The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is the agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior responsible for administering oil, gas, and other mineral development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). More than 60 percent of the world''s 7,400 offshore oil and gas platforms are in the OCS. More than a quarter of the 4,500 OCS platforms are over 25 years old and are nearing the end of their service life:. Industry is removing more than 100 platforms each year from the OCS. Therefore, decommissioning activities are an important part ofMMS''s responsibilities. To manage the challenges of decommissioning activities, MMS has regulatory requirements tbr decommissioning wells, platforms, pipelines and clearing lease sites. MMS designed the requirements to ensure safety, protect the environment, facilitate other uses of the OCS, and to ensure that operators are financially able to meet their obligations.