MMS assesses EPSO use in gulf.(Brief Article)

The U.S. Minerals Management Service has awarded a $1 million contract to Ecology & Environment Inc. (E&E), Buffalo, for assessment of the environmental effects of using floating production, storage, and offloading vessels (FPSOs) in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

While FPSOs are used for deepwater developments in many areas of the world, MMS is required by the National Environmental Policy Act to determine the potential environmental effects of their use in U.S. gulf waters before they can be installed there (OGJ, May 10, 1999, p. 21).

E&E will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the use of FPSOs in the Gulf of Mexico. The project is being financed …