HOUSTON - The Ocean Energy Safety Institute and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement will hold a public forum at the Houston Intercontinental Airport DoubleTree on April 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants will discuss initial evaluations of potential technology solutions for two safety issues. Early kick detection during drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf has been identified as a safety issue that may be enhanced through technology as well as the detection of methane gas on offshore helipads. Both topics are currently being examined as part of BSEE’s Best Available and Safest Technology determination process. For more information, or to register, please click here.
The U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act includes a provision calling for offshore operators to use “best available and safest technologies . . . on all new drilling and production operations and, wherever practicable, on existing operations.” BSEE’s director determines when a known significant safety issue is likely to benefit from a technological solution. At that point the director can initiate the Best Available and Safest Technology determination process.
The determination process uses a step-by-step approach that involves thorough assessments, public and industry input (including forums, such as the April 17 event), qualified third party research, and a benefit-cost analysis. This process was developed by collaboration with the industry and ensures a transparent and data driven process that will address significant safety issues. BSEE has included six steps in the process which serve as opportunities to reassess whether or not the determination of applicable technology continues to be warranted. Any safety issues that flow through the entire process must result in solution that are both capable of being implemented with readily available technologies and show benefits that well outweigh any economic costs.
This public forum provides an opportunity for industry and interested stakeholders to discuss safety issues related to early kick and methane gas detection and participate in a discussion on the path going forward.
The forum agenda can be found here.