Course Summary & Description: This manual presents a general summary of pipeline information and issues in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) by providing an overview of decision makers, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties. This course also serves as a summary of environmental assessments prepared on specific pipeline applications.
This course is divided into six main sections. The first section, Regulatory Framework, briefly describes the agencies responsible for pipelines in the GOM. The second section, Pipeline Installation, provides general information on the different techniques used to install pipelines in the GOM. The third section, Operating Conditions, compares the difference between shallow and deep pipeline installation, emphasizing the more severe conditions for deep water pipelines. The fourth section, Life Span, explains the service duration and ways to increase duration for pipeline service. The fifth section, Potential Environmental Impacts, addresses the effect that pipeline installation has on the area around the pipeline. The sixth section, Mitigation Measures, explains the process to reduce risks pipelines have on the environment. |
