Evaluating alternatives for decommissioning California’s offshore oil and gas platforms: a technical analysis to inform state policy

Abstract

From the Summary of the Executive Summary:  “There are a number of potential decommissioning options that could be implemented when theoffshore platforms reach the end of their useful lifetimes, but only two of them are likely to be feasible: complete removal and partial removal to 85 feet with the remainder of the platform converted to an artificial reef. The legal and regulatory frameworks for both options are clearly defined, although the partial removal option would require new state legislation to allow the state to accept ownership of platforms in federal waters. The full range of impacts to be expected as a result of both options can be described qualitatively and some can be quantified to varying degrees. However, significant data gaps prevent the full quantification of all potential impacts. Despite these limitations, the information gathered here enables an in-depth comparison of the two primary decommissioning options and the interactive decision model that accompanies the report allows users to more fully investigate the implications of the two options