Approved by the Energy, Environment, and Water Policy Committee on March 18, 2024
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on June 5, 2024
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 18, 2024

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the design and operation of offshore facilities such as water supply, transportation, energy structures, and pipelines as vital contributions to national economic development. These facilities must be built in accordance with the following principles:

  • Sustainable Use and Development of Offshore Resources: ASCE advocates for the sustainable use and development of offshore resources to ensure their long-term availability and minimize environmental impact.
  • Robust Regulatory Control: ASCE emphasizes the importance of robust regulatory control of offshore regions to protect public health, safety, welfare, and the environment. This includes stringent enforcement of regulations and standards governing offshore development activities.
  • Integration of Risk Management: ASCE promotes the integration of comprehensive risk management practices into all aspects of sustainable offshore development. This includes proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential risks to avoid catastrophic failures and ensure project resilience.
  • Collaboration with Government Entities: ASCE encourages collaboration with government entities at all levels to develop and adopt offshore development policies and planning guidelines. This partnership ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and promotes effective decision-making processes.
  • Timely Consideration of Offshore Development: ASCE advocates for the implementation of programs to expedite the consideration of offshore development projects that comply with established policies. Timely approvals facilitate project progress while maintaining adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Equitable Site Selection Practices: ASCE supports site selection practices that prioritize economic and social equity to mitigate disproportionate impacts on historically disadvantaged communities. This includes conducting thorough assessments to identify potential socio-economic impacts and implementing measures to address disparities and promote inclusivity.

Issue

The viability of offshore development projects relies on effectively addressing risks to public safety and the environment through robust policies and standards governing planning, design, and construction. Public opposition to offshore facilities development and prolonged permitting processes pose significant challenges, potentially halting viable projects. Early broad outreach for public input and equitable consideration of community impact is crucial for the acceptance of offshore infrastructure. Additionally, the increasing frequency of hurricanes, natural disasters, and concerns over climate change underscore the necessity for enhanced planning, practices, and regulations aligned with sustainable development goals for offshore resources.

Delays in project approval, even when projects meet policy and standard requirements could hinder or eliminate valuable projects that provide access to essential natural resources.

Rationale

Civil engineers play a pivotal role in mitigating the risks associated with offshore facilities development, safeguarding public health, safety, welfare, and the environment through planning, designing, construction, and operation. Given the dynamic nature of offshore environments and the potential consequences of failure, there is an ongoing need for robust policies and standards to guide offshore facilities development. These measures are essential to ensure the resilience and sustainability of offshore projects while minimizing adverse impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.

This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 533
First Approved 2010