existing distributional network, while a large oil find would require a new 

 pipeline network, new refineries, or transshipment to existing refinery sites 

 further north (Maryland and Delaware). 

 4.7 TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT NEEDS AND POTENTIALS 



The general needs and improved technological requirements which are 

 asked of the oil industry in the Atlantic OCS regions may be listed 

 as: (21, pp. 162-172) 



(a) Better technology to prevent spills, blow-outs, leaks and 

 ruptures, especially via increased downhole pressure 

 measurement abilities. 



(b) Increased ability to work in deep waters; up to 600 feet in the 

 Baltimore Canyon and over 2500 feet on the Blake Plateau. 



(c) New developments to allow for use of subsea completion and 

 production facilities. 



(d) Ability to work under more severe weather conditions than those 

 experienced in the Gulf of Mexico or in the Santa Barbara Channel. 



(e) Minimize loading of oil and other effluents in the aquatic 

 environment until the chronic effects of same have been 

 determined. 



.(f) Improved structural integrity of drilling platforms to avoid 

 loss to storms. 



(g) Minimization of adverse impacts from pipeline burial and 

 from subsea debris which snares fishing gear. 



All of the above areas are subjects which are of concern to regional 

 planners, government officials, and environmental groups. The oil industry 

 is facing a different social and physical environment in the Atlantic than 

 that in the Gulf, thus, not only must new technological innovations be forth- 

 coming to minimize pollution potentials, but new techniques and ways of 

 doing things must be instituted to take the different social concerns into 

 consideration. 



All frontier OCS areas are similar in their technological and 



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