OFFSHORE DEVELOPMENTS THAT MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENT IMPACT

This paper identifies possible reasons for recent increased interest in offshore development and examines some aspects of offshore development technology. Existing offshore developments are citied by the author for purposes of illustrating types of activities which utilize offshore locations. With regard to offshore developments in the future, three types of potential tenants are: (1) site-related that require a marine environment; (2) site-related that are unwanted onshore; and (3) functionally related to other offshore facilities. Examples of each tenant-type are provided. Construction methods, such as conventional earth-fill, polder, pile-supported or caisson-supported deck, and floating structures, as well as the technologies reqired for offshore development are discussed. With regard to environmental considerations, the author states that potential benefits which may be accrued from offshore siting include filling of unsightly swamp areas, reduced shoreline erosion, improved flushing and circulation of coastal waters, expanded marine habitat, control of urban encroachment, less costly land in some cases, large quantities of water for cooling and waste dispersion, reduced visual impact, lessened noise impact, and reduced overall negative environmental impact. Conversely, careful planning of offshore developments to assure minimal adverse effects include considerations of: thermal pollution; destruction of valuable marine life; water, air, and noise pollution; dislocation of valuable endangered species of wild life; interruption of recreational uses; and despoiling of scenic beauty.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the ASCE National Water Resources Engineering Meeting, Los Angeles, California, January 21-24, 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • LORD, C J
• Publication Date: 1974-6

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 159-170
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Construction Division
  • Volume: 100
  • Issue Number: C02

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental impacts; Offshore structures; Pollution control
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057803
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Texas A&M University, College Station
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE Paper #10610
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 11 1974 12:00AM