Modeling Structure Removal Processes in the Gulf of Mexico

OCS Study MMS 2005-029 

The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study report, Modeling Structure Removal Processes in the Gulf of Mexico.

 The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is one of the most highly developed and mature basins in the world.  Today there are about 4,000 structures in the Federal waters of the GOM associated with hydrocarbon production.  Over 2,200 structures have been removed from Federal waters since production first began in 1947.  This report describes the operational aspects of structure removal processes in the GOM.  Five issues are explored: (1) a comprehensive statistical description of structure removals by key variables such as removal method, structure age, water depth, and configuration type; (2) a forecast of the number of structures expected to removed in the GOM by using explosive techniques; (3) models of abandonment timing decisions; (4) the economic limit of offshore structures; and (5) a production-based model to forecast removal rates and costs of offshore structures.

This report is available only in compact disc format from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00, by referencing OCS Study MMS 2005-029.  The report may be ordered through the Minerals Management Service’s on-line ordering system at http://www.gomr.mms.gov/WebStore/front.asp.  You will be able to obtain this report also from the National Technical Information Service in the near future.  Here are the addresses.  You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository Libraries.

Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Public Information Office (MS 5034) 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 Telephone requests may be placed at (504) 736-2519, 1-800-200-GULF, or FAX: (504) 736-2620

U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 (703) 487-4650 or FAX: (703) 321-8547 Rush Orders: 1-800-336-4700

MMS, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, oversees 1.76 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf, managing offshore energy and minerals while protecting the human, marine, and coastal environments through advanced science and technology research.  The OCS provides 30 percent of oil and 23 percent of natural gas produced domestically, and sand used for coastal restoration.  MMS collects, accounts for, and disburses mineral revenues from Federal and American Indian lands, with Fiscal Year 2004 disbursements of approximately $8 billion and more than $143 billion since 1982.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which pays for cooperative conservation, grants to states, and Federal land acquisition, gets nearly $1 billion a year.

MMS Main Website: www.mms.gov
Gulf of Mexico Website:  www.gomr.mms.gov

* * * MMS:  Securing Ocean Energy and Economic Value for America * * *