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Project Number 600
Date of Summary May 8, 2008
Subject A Review and Update of Supplemental Bonding Requirements in the Gulf of Mexico
Performing Activity Louisiana State University
Principal Investigator Mark J. Kaiser
Contracting Agency Minerals Management Service
Estimated Completion August 31, 2008
Description The objective of the project is to update and refine the MMS bonding database and associated cost curves; describe the purpose, requirements, and constraints and limitations of bonding mechanisms, and to develop alternative risk-adjusted bonding formulas for MMS review.

Tasks:

  1. Collect, review, and analyze cost data for each of the three main stages of decommissioning based on data collected previously by LSU and MMS; new data to be collected by LSU and MMS; and other sources where reliable data can be obtained.
     
  2. Describe the purpose and requirements of a bonding formula; the constraints and limitations associated with decommissioning cost estimation; the level of risk that a bonding formula should incorporate; and the manner in which a bonding formula should be constructed. Suggest data requirements to reduce the level of uncertainty in future formula reviews.
     
  3. Develop risk-adjusted bonding formula options.
     
  4. Estimate aggregate decommissioning cost for the shallow water (<400 ft) Gulf of Mexico (GOM) based on the current inventory of unplugged wellbores and structures.
Progress Grant was awarded July 16, 2007. Preliminary work completed. P&A and SC&V data has been collected, processed, and published in trade and academic journals.  Removal Cost data is still being collected.

 

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Last Updated: 07/22/2008, 06:29 PM

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