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Debates surround plan to convert oil platforms into artificial reefs First decommissioning in California waters likely within five years; Gulf of Mexico states have rigs-to-reefs programs in place by The Associated Press
The massive offshore oil platforms along California’s coast could one day be converted into fish-friendly marine preserves. Or the metal structures could corrode the ocean and contaminate marine life.
These different opinions are among the ideas offered by energy experts, fishermen and others who are debating the best way to use California’s 27 offshore platforms once they are no longer needed for oil production.
The “rigs-to-reefs” proposal has caused concern and enthusiasm for years. But with the first decommissioning project likely within the next five years, legislators are now pondering the fate of the structures.
At least six platforms are “nearing the end of their economic life” and will be out of production by 2010, said John Smith, senior environmental coordinator for the U.S. Minerals Management Service.
Federal and state officials approved the first offshore platform in 1958 but ordered the rigs be removed one year after production stopped.
Platforms could enhance marine life However, oil operators and some scientists claim the 1,500- to 70,000-ton structures could enhance marine life.
“These platforms are already artificial reefs,” said George Steinbach, decommissioning project manager for Chevron. “There is significant marine life on and around these platforms.”
Legislators could approve a bill allowing companies to leave the base legs, or the “jacket,” of the platform in place, saving millions of dollars and possibly helping species survive. The companies also could move the platforms to another area to establish a new man-made reef.
Environmentalists want platforms removed Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara, believes the steel-manufactured structures should be removed because they could corrode and eventually contaminate the marine life.
“The oil companies should clean up their mess, after exploiting our resources,” she said.
Others argue that oil operators are legally obligated to remove platforms and return the ocean to its original condition.
Mark Helvey, of the National Marine Fisheries Services, said scientific studies are needed to determine the effect on fish species from the platforms.
“There certainly needs to be more research,” he said.
Only 11 of the 27 platforms have been studied, he added.
Gulf states have rigs-to-reefs programs States along the Gulf of Mexico — such as Mississippi and Texas — established extensive “rigs-to-reefs” programs during the past 13 years.
About 130 artificial reefs “maintain the fish habitat established since the platform was installed” with 50 percent to 70 percent more fish when the platforms remain, said Rich Kasprzak, a representative with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.
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