NTL 1999-G21 - Platform Removal Applications - September 13, 1999

According to 30 CFR 250.913(a), you must obtain approval from the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the methods you will use to remove OCS structures. You must obtain this approval before you may proceed with removal operations. The use of explosives to remove platforms in the Gulf of Mexico could have an adverse impact on threatened and endangered sea turtles protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In fact, these explosions have the potential to injure or kill these sea turtles, depending on the strength of the blast and proximity of the animals. Accordingly, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued recommendations and regulations regarding the use of explosives to remove OCS platforms. To comply with these ESA requirements, the MMS must consider the nature of each platform removal, determine the potential impacts to the threatened or endangered species, and develop mitigating measures to protect the threatened or endangered species.