Environmental and socio-economic impact assessment of Ekoreef, a multiple platform rigs-to-reefs development

Abstract

. 2002. Environmental and socio-economic impact assessment of Ekoreef, a multiple platform rigs-to-reefs development. -ICES Journal of Marine Science, 59: S300-S308.The North Sea Ekofisk oil field is approaching the end of its production, and various options are being considered regarding future use or demolition of the platforms. One option is the rigs-to-reefs initiative. OSPAR and Norwegian national legislation contain provisions that allow for the creation of artificial reefs providing they do not hinder other users and do not cause significant pollution. More generally, the creation of sizeable artificial reefs using redundant offshore steel structures is only sensible if positive impacts outweigh negative impacts. At an early stage in the cessation process, we carried out an impact assessment to identify factors that would present special environmental or socio-economic risks or benefits. Thirty-nine impacts, positive and negative, were identified and grouped under the following headings: exploitable fish stocks (8); local biota (7); sediments (4); water column (2); energy and emissions (2); socio-economics (10); other (6). Techniques by which to estimate their likely severity in general and the potential for their reduction (negative impacts) or maximization (positive impacts) are summarized. Semi-quantitative severity scores for all impacts identified were assigned to each of 11 reef-creation options. These were totalled and the options were then ranked accordingly. From an environmental and ecological (including commercial fish stocks) perspective, the results indicate that reef use for protection would be a better option than use for commercial fishing, although differences between the two were not large. The rank order did not discriminate among four of the suggested reef locations. However, toppling in situ was clearly identified as the worst scenario, whereas reef creation at a relatively clean site offered the most promising perspective.

Stakeholder perceptions regarding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the Algarve artificial reefs

“…The impact assessment validation Key-stakeholders used 5-point Likert scales to state their positions about impacts (Murray & Betz, 1994;Cripps & Aabel, 2002;Kennish et al, 2002). Perceptions/attitudes were then measured using summated rating scales.…”

“…To carry out this sort of study it is important to consult properly all the local stakeholders and interest groups. Studies which have examined the impact of artificial reefs, particularly as they involve stakeholders, have commonly concerned the 'rigs-to-reefs' conversion of obsolete oil platforms to other uses (Reggio et al, 1986;McGurrin & Fedler, 1989;Reggio, 1989;Cripps & Aabel, 2002).…”

Assessment of French artificial reefs: due to limitations of research, trends may be misleading

“…It will be also interesting to develop perception inquiries for all potential user types to evaluate the usefulness of ARs (Cripps & Aabel, 2002;Ditton et al, 2002;Kirkbride-Smith et al, 2013). Cost-benefit analyses have to be implemented in the next decade to assess the economic impacts and the usefulness of ARs as tools in integrated coastal zone management.…”

A multi-criteria decision approach to decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure

“…Although criteria lists have been proposed before, they have either focused on particular areas of consideration (e.g. environmental impacts, Cripps and Aabel, 2002), or have not provided criteria of sufficient resolution (e.g. the criterion of 'marine impacts' in Ekins et al, 2006).…”

“…Decommissioning involves many environmental impacts that differ among alternative options and decommissioning scenarios (Cripps and Aabel, 2002). Environmental aspects of decommissioning also interact with financial and socioeconomic considerations, generating complex trade-offs.…”