As part of BHPB’s risk based decommissioning process, Atteris performed a study of the Gas Export Pipeline to establish the decommissioning method. The study investigated the residual risk of decommissioning the pipeline in-situ.
Atteris performed a quantitative assessment of the pipeline’s on-bottom stability for the remaining life of the pipeline until natural degradation takes over. The following issues were also considered as part of the study:
- Historical behaviour of the pipeline with respect to burial, spanning, movement
- Relevant national regulations
- Health and safety of personnel, if the pipeline is to be removed
- Environmental impacts including potential pollution from structures left in place and potential impacts from removal of structures
- Ship traffic and fishing activities
- Corrosion impact on other structures
