Exploration and Production

    Safely exploring, developing, and producing energy resources offshore…. 

    Exploring for, developing and producing energy resources like oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf is a long, multi-faceted process which starts many years and in some cases decades prior to first oil or gas being produced. Multiple federal agencies and bureaus are involved in administering the program and ensuring that federal regulations are followed all in an effort to ensure that the offshore energy program is safe, both for the personnel and the environment.

     

    Responsibility of BOEMResponsibility of BOEMResponsibility of BOEMResponsibility of BOEMDescribes in detail what actions an operator will take should an oil spill occur. Included is a 'worst case' discharge response scenario outlining the identification of any onshore areas that could be affected by an accidental spill from an operator’s facility and response equipment and resources at operator’s disposal.The initial permit granted to an operator that allows the drilling of a well once an application is approved. Before a Permit to Drill can be approved, there are many direct and related approvals (including environmental compliance) that must be in place. Application for Permit to Drill must include well design, casing and cement programs, along with mud type, weight, and size.First used in the Gulf of Mexico to ensure that stringent safety regulations are met. DWOP approval is based on the determination that equipment and procedures will control a well in a safe and prudent manner. Provides sufficient information for review of deepwater development, and any project that uses non-conventional production or completion technology, from a total system approach.Responsibility of BOEMThe initial permit granted to an operator that allows the drilling of a well once an application is approved. Before a Permit to Drill can be approved, there are many direct and related approvals (including environmental compliance) that must be in place. Application for Permit to Drill must include well design, casing and cement programs, along with mud type, weight, and size.Basic approval process for fixed platforms that fulfills BSEE requirements in shallow water areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Requirements of the Platform Approval Program must be met by all platforms on the OCS.Approval process for ensuring that floating platforms; platforms of a new or unique design; platforms in seismic areas; or platforms located in deepwater or frontier areas meet stringent requirements for design and construction.Pipelines owned and operated by a lessee or operator are wholly contained within the boundaries of a single lease, unitized leases, or contiguous (not cornering) leases of that lessee or operator.Inspecting and testing safety devices installed in a well, including such devices in shut-in and injection wells. Production safety equipment shall be designed, installed, used, maintained, and tested in a manner to assure the safety and protection of the human, marine, and coastal environments. Production cannot begin until the production safety system has been approved and a preproduction inspection has been requested by the lessee.Testing a measuring device to ensure compliance with regulatory required standard of accuracy.Reducing environmental impact, waste of valuable resources, and pollution risk through regulatory approvals that provide conservation of energy resources including unitization, commingling, flaring/venting, and pre-mature abandonment of well.Lessees/operators must submit for approval an application for a structure removal and provide information including; identification of the structure, size of the structure, and proposed removal technique.BOEM responsibilityBSEE responsibilityBOEM responsibilityBSEE responsibilityLeasing PhaseExploration PhaseDevelopment PhaseProduction PhaseDecommissioning Phase