Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Role of Third-Party Oversight and
Certified Verification Agents
Third-party review of design and construction of infrastructure has a long
history. This chapter provides the historical context for infrastructure
review, then progressively narrows the scope to practices for land-based
energy facilities, offshore oil and gas facilities in the United States, offshore
wind energy facilities, and finally to the role of a certified verification agent
(CVA) for offshore wind energy facilities.
BACKGROUND
Nearly all incorporated cities and communities along with many states and
counties have adopted building codes for facilities and high-consequence
public infrastructure, and they have ordinances requiring compliance of
design with the applicable building code and construction in accordance
with the design. One of the two model building codes, as modified for
unique local conditions, is usually adopted. A permit process and building
inspections are coupled with the building code. Most jurisdictions issue
building permits after review of plans by officials within the jurisdiction;
the buildings are subject to inspection during construction.
Other types of infrastructure have third-party review or authorization
processes as well. Examples of well-known processes are those developed
and implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration for aircraft and
those administered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for nuclear
power plants.
The offshore oil and gas industry operates with a two-tier oversight
process under the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and
Enforcement (BOEMRE). For facilities of lower complexity and generally
lower potential consequences due to an incident, structural plans must be
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