Environmental Monitoring

Phase I. Pacific Region Environmental Compliance Monitoring

The Pacific Region has an extensive inspection program to ensure safe and environmentally sound offshore oil and gas operations. This program places BOEMRE inspectors offshore on drilling rigs and production platforms on a daily basis to check operator compliance with extensive safety and environmental protection requirements. In the 1990’s, the Pacific Region instituted an Environmental Liaison Program; under this program, BOEMRE Environmental Scientists work with BOEMRE District Inspectors to enhance the inspection program. The Environmental Liaison’s field inspections are primarily related to monitoring compliance and effectiveness of environmental protection mitigation measures placed on projects during the NEPA review; District Inspectors are primarily engaged in ensuring regulatory compliance. The Environmental Liaisons additionally assist other agencies with offshore inspections field observations as appropriate.