Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
If Option c is implemented with only overarching performance
standards, there is risk that important design concerns will be overlooked.
Therefore, where goal-based standards are specified, requirements are
generally further defined by functional requirements, Option d. Although
goal-based standards are often qualitative, to maintain consistency and
provide metrics for monitoring compliance, the functional requirements
may be performance-based quantitative standards.
When goal-based standards and functional requirements are man-
dated by the governmental body, prescriptive standards are frequently
developed by standards bodies or industry organizations to comple-
ment the goal-based and functional requirements. The prescriptive
standards are developed such that, at least for conventional structures,
compliance with the standard will ensure compliance with the goal-
based and functional requirements. This facilitates design and verifica-
tion when the facilities and environmental conditions are consistent
with the assumptions implicit in the prescriptive standards.
GOAL-BASED STANDARDS FOR OFFSHORE
WIND TURBINES
The committee recommends that offshore wind turbine regulations
promulgated at the federal level be goal-based standards and functional
requirements that are performance-based rather than prescriptive in
nature (Option d above). Such regulations will allow for the development
of new technologies that are necessary if offshore wind farms are to develop
into a cost-effective energy source. Moreover, the regulations should be
risk-informed. Further background on the evolution of risk-informed
approaches for regulating the safety of engineered structures is provided
in Appendix A. The goal-based standards can be supplemented by pre-
scriptive international and national standards and industry-developed
guidelines where appropriate.
The committee recommends that the federal government, presumably
under the auspices of BOEMRE, develop a set of goal-based standards for
offshore wind turbines by using an approach similar to that applied by
IMO for the maritime industry (refer to Box 4-4 for a description of IMO
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