Erin Englert sometimes wishes she were a scuba diver so she could see the results of her work. As a Chevron regulatory affairs adviser, she facilitates programs that transform decommissioned oil and gas platforms into marine life habitats.
A recent project involved turning the spar, or hull, of the former Genesis platform into a gathering spot for creatures such as coral, tropical fish and anemones.
“I’ve seen videos and pictures of the results, and it’s just beautiful. I would love to go down there and visit one,” she said.
Marine life is attracted to offshore platforms, and state officials want the structures to continue to provide ecological benefits when decommissioned.
“Fish are reliant upon them as a habitat,” said Mike McDonough, artificial reef program coordinator with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “It’s rewarding to see them thrive.”
In its previous life, Genesis was considered an offshore gamechanger. Its 705-ft, 28,700-ton steel floating spar was the first to house both drilling and production facilities.