BSEE Finalizes Improved Safety Regulations for Novel Technologies and Challenging Conditions
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The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published new regulations that will improve operational safety, human health, and environmental protections offshore, and provide clarity to industry regarding BSEE’s review of projects proposing to use novel technology, including equipment used in high pressure or high temperature (HPHT) environments.
BSEE considers novel technology to include equipment or procedures that have not been used previously or extensively under the anticipated operating conditions, have not been used previously in a particular Outer Continental Shelf region, will operate in an HPHT environment, or that have operating characteristics outside the performance parameters established in 30 CFR part 250.
An HPHT environment is present when well conditions have pressures greater than 15,000 pounds per square inch or temperatures greater than 350 degrees fahrenheit. Reservoirs with HP or HT properties have been discovered in many areas of the Gulf of Mexico, but they are most prevalent in the Lower Tertiary and Jurassic Norphlet regions.
“This final rule is critical to ensuring the offshore energy industry minimizes the risks of harm to offshore workers and the environment, particularly when it encounters more challenging operating conditions,” said BSEE Director Kevin Sligh.
This final rule will specifically:
• Require submission of information in an order that provides both operators and BSEE the ability to evaluate whether a novel technology project is economically and operationally feasible.
• Add specific equipment requirements, particularly for barriers, including through incorporation of updated industry standards.
• Require independent third party (I3P) review of operator submissions in certain cases, or provide BSEE with the ability to require I3P review, to ensure project viability and safety.
The notice of the final rule can be viewed in the Federal Register HERE.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is the lead federal agency charged with improving safety and ensuring environmental protection related to the offshore energy industry on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
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