The development of an environmental review technique

The Environmental Review Using Structured Analysis Techniques (ERUSAT) was a method developed for comprehensive review of the environmental regulatory requirements that would affect the engineering design of an offshore drilling and production platform. ERUSAT was used to identify scenarios and issues which could result in environmental noncompliance and to provide a means of addressing potential design modifications which would alleviate the environmental concerns. The approach is similar to other structured analysis techniques but requires the identification of issues and scenarios rather than potential causes of undesired events. The method is qualitative, requiring an experienced multidisciplinary team to identify scenarios and issues from the review of all pertinent environmental legislation, development and design conditions, previously conducted hazard and operability studies, and third-party studies that could potentially affect the platform design. The team is also required to discuss potential design modifications leading to recommendations for further task force or contractor review. The study is meant to be an integral part of the engineering process of the project, and will result in a living document for the operating company to be updated regularly in response to regulatory changes, technological advances, and operational experience