There is a federal program out there called rigs to reefs that offers an avenue for the oil companies to lower expenses involved with decommissioning the rigs and still keep the structures for reefs. If I remember correctly, the top part of the structure down to 80' has to be removed. It can be set on the sea floor next to the remaining structure. There are some other requirements, but once they are satisfied, the feds assume responsibility of the reef from that point on. It does not continue to be a liability for the oil companies.
|