Utilization of the Minerals Management Service operations and scientific diving program for operations monitoring and inspection. A case study

Abstract

From the Abstract: “The Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Operations and Scientific Diving Program gathers underwater scientific data in support of the GOM Region's mandate to prepare environmental impact statements and environmental assessments for oil and gas lease sale and operations-permitted activity. Monitoring and inspecting operations-permitted activity are also functions of the Diving Program. An underwater inspection for operations-generated debris reported to have been discarded near satellite oil and gas platforms was done using the MMS GOM Region's (GOMR) Diving Program divers. The MMS divers accomplished and documented a visual search of the seafloor adjacent to, and at 7.6 meter (25 feet) and 15.2 meter (50 feet) circles around 16 satellite platforms and 4 multi-well production platforms in the Bay Marchand Oil and Gas Field (BMF) immediately offshore Grand Isle, Louisiana. Minimal debris was found near the satellite platforms. Substantial debris was found near and underneath the multi-well platforms. Corrective measures have been taken to address discarded debris associated with oil and gas operations in the GOMR.”