Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
for oversight. Because of the differing skills required in these areas, the rec-
ommendation provided that verification in each area could be performed
by independent organizations.
The recommended process was outlined as follows:
1. The operator submits a plan for third-party verification of the structure
to USGS.
2. USGS checks the plan, either in-house or by using a contractor.
3. USGS approves the plan if it is adequate (an appeal procedure is avail-
able in case approval is denied).
4. The plan is implemented by the third-party engineering and inspection
representatives (CVAs) indicated in the plan.
5. USGS monitors implementation of the plan for compliance.
6. USGS institutes a failure reporting and analysis system.
7. An independent government board conducts or reviews investigations
of major accidents (this recommendation was never implemented as
envisioned).
The verification plan submitted by the operator should set forth the
following:
•
Environmental criteria to be used;
•
Design criteria and procedures to be used;
•
Fabrication procedures to be used;
•
Installation procedures to be used;
•
Operating procedures to be used, including postinstallation inspec-
tion and maintenance procedures;
•
Techniques and procedures to be used in verification (tests, inspec-
tion procedures, etc.); and
•
A list of the independent third-party verification agents proposed to
be employed.
During the design phase, 30 CFR 250 specifies standards with which the
facility must comply. These standards, for offshore U.S. waters, are the
American Petroleum Institute (API) Series 2 standards, such as API RP
2A-WSD, 21st edition, for fixed offshore platforms and API RP 2T for
tension leg platforms. They are U.S. national standards carrying the
American National Standards Institute designation and comply with the
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