BSEE enforces application of SEMS rule

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has cited 12 offshore operators in the Gulf of Mexico for failure to comply with a BSEE regulation requiring the implementation of a safety and environmental management system, or SEMS.

In 2010, as part of the fallout from the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Department of the Interior introduced a rule requiring outer continental shelf operators to meet a specified SEMS requirement. BSEE had required companies to complete an initial SEMS audit by Nov. 15. A total of 84 companies became subject to that deadline, BSEE said.

“An effective, fully implemented SEMS program is essential to reducing risks across offshore operations,” said BSEE Director Brian Salerno when announcing the citations. “BSEE must be assured that companies are addressing the key elements of SEMS and that they are not needlessly putting their workers and the environment at risk. We will vigorously enforce compliance with this fundamental requirement.”

Seven of the companies cited had submitted audit plans in compliance with regulations but had failed to complete their audits by the Nov. 15 deadline, BSEE said. BSEE has directed each of those companies to immediately provide the agency with a copy of its SEMS program; have its CEO certify that the company has implemented the program; and complete the SEMS audit without delay. Other enforcement measures are possible.

Salerno has directed the other five cited companies, none of which provided BSEE with an audit plan or a completed audit, to halt operations, with a period of three days allowed for reaching a safe stopping point.

BSEE will analyze the audit reports for all companies that have submitted these reports and work with companies on action plans to address any identified deficiencies and ensure continuous improvement in their operations, BSEE said.

—Alan Bailey