onshore support is required during exploration, most of which would be tempo- 

 rary. Exploration requries service bases and suppliers of tubular goods and 

 drilling supplies such as muds and cement. 



The development phase lasts from 4 to 9 years after oil and gas are found 

 in commercial quantity (New England River Basin Commission 1976a; 1976b). 

 Development drilling is usually performed from fixed platforms floated to the 

 site and positioned on the ocean floor. Onshore activities peak during the 

 development phase. Permanent service bases are established and oil /gas trans- 

 poration systems are implemented. Tool and equipment companies, catering 

 services, repair and maintenance yeards, diving companies, and specialized 

 drilling equipment companies would be located onshore. 



As well drilling is completed, the production phase begins. This phase 

 lasts 10 to 25 years or more. During this phase, the drilling rig is dis- 

 assembled and production equipment installed. Oil may be pumped ashore by 

 pipeline or stored offshore until it is transferred to tankers. Market condi- 

 tions in adjacent coastal areas will dictate whether the crude oil will be 

 refined in Florida or trans-shipped out of the State. Gas must be piped to 

 shore for processing and transport. If applicable, a gas processing plant may 

 be constructed inland between the OCS pipeline landfall and the existing gas 

 infrastructure. 



There are virtually no new onshore activities generated during the shut- 

 down phase. Facilities identified above are closed or shifted to other uses 

 or areas. 



LOCATION FACTORS FOR ONSHORE FACILITIES 



Proximity to offshore OCS oil and gas activities is generally the most 

 important factor in determining the location of onshore facilities. Another 

 important consideration is the tendency for OCS support activities to aggre- 

 gate, or locate in a central geographical area, usually in a port area. The 

 tendency to cluster near other related industries is necessary for adequate 

 cooperation and interaction among the support activities. Economic efficiency 

 may be achieved by minimizing the duplication of facilities and equipment. 



A number and diverse assortment of onshore support facilities are 

 required to support offshore OCS operations. Some of the major factors 

 affecting the number and location of these facilities are listed in Table 5. 



FACILITY REQUIREMENTS 



The following section describes typical onshore OCS facilities, siting 

 considerations, and environmental impacts. 



Service Bases 



Service bases are used for fabricating, servicing, and storing drilling 

 equipment, platforms and pipes, and supplying personnel and transportation to 

 and from oil and gas rigs and platforms. 



147 



