THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF PLATFORM DECOMMISSIONING
Lucia Susani, Safety, Environmental and Reliability Department, Snamprogetti Limited, Basiagstoke, Hampshire, England
ABSTRACT
This paper provides a review of the environmental impacts of offshore platform disposal, based on past activities and technical and research studies. Environmental impacts are considered in relation to four main decommissioning options. The most significant effects stem from explosive cutting, sediment resuspension and release of contamination during initial production shut-down, well purging and removal of the jacket structure from the seabed. Any decommissioning option that minimises movement of structures and avoids explosive cuffing must therefore be viewed as preferable from an ecological viewpoint. Complete removal is preferred on the grounds of energy conservation, fisheries and navigational safety, and controlled disposal of potential contaminants.
