BOEM publishes environmental reports

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced the availability of the findings from six research projects conducted as part of the agency’s Environmental Studies Program. Two of the studies relate to the Alaska outer continental shelf, while three studies relate to the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific region. The sixth study investigated the characteristics of sounds emitted during high-resolution marine geophysical surveys.

One of the Alaska projects conducted an oil spill risk analysis for the Liberty oil field that Hilcorp proposes to develop from a gravel island in the Beaufort Sea. The study used actual oil spill data from the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific outer continental shelf and the North Sea to make statistical predictions about what might happen at Liberty. The study found that most spills are likely to occur on the production island, and that the likelihood of a spill from a pipeline or well is very low.

The other Alaska study evaluated the weathering characteristics on the sea surface of three types of Alaska crude oil and three types of refined oil that might be carried by tankers in Alaska waters. The objective was to better understand what might happen from the natural weathering of oil spilled in the Alaska offshore. An understanding of weathering effects can help in planning spill response strategies.

BOEM says its Environmental Studies Program develops, funds and manages rigorous scientific research to inform policy decisions regarding the development of energy and mineral resources on the outer continental shelf. Research results are available online through the agency’s ESPIS system.

- ALAN BAILEY