BSEE gets funding for Ohmsett upgrade

The Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement, or BSEE, has received $4 million in funding for upgrades to its Ohmsett offshore oil spill response and renewable energy test facility in New Jersey, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced on Oct. 24. The facility has a large tank that is used to simulate ocean conditions, including conditions in Arctic seas, for the testing of marine oil spill response equipment and techniques, and to test offshore power generation technology such as in-current turbines.

The facility was damaged by hurricane Sandy in 2012 — improvements made by the newly funded upgrade project will provide additional protections against possible future storms, BSEE says.

“Hurricane Sandy had a direct impact on Ohmsett, damaging the facility and delaying important oil spill response research and testing,” said BSEE Director Brian Salerno. “This additional funding will allow us to complete further enhancements at Ohmsett, providing for storm resistant design improvements to protect both this unique facility and the surrounding lands while ensuring that there is minimal impact to the vital work that is accomplished each day at Ohmsett.”

Improvements will include elevating electrical equipment above storm surge levels; installing shutters to prevent damage to the building and the test tank; and installing barriers to prevent storm debris impacting piping and other exposed infrastructure.

—Alan Bailey