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Gulf of Mexico Region

Spills ≥ 50 Barrels (2,100 gallons) – 1973

January 9, 1973 - Signal Oil & Gas Company

Pollution: 9,935 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Production
Rig/Platform: Platform A Lease: G01449
Area:
Block:		 West Delta
79		 Cause: Equipment Failure: tank ruptured
Distance to Shore: 17 Miles Water Depth: 110 Feet

Remarks: A 36" structural I-beam supporting an oil storage tank bent, causing a rupture in the tank.

January 26, 1973 - Chevron Oil Company

Pollution: 7,000 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Production & Barge
Rig:
Platform:		 Platform CA
Barge BI-363		 Lease: G01238
Area:
Block:		 South Pelto
23		 Cause: Weather Related: rough seas
Distance to Shore: 15 Miles Water Depth: 61 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: A storage barge was tied to the platform and became entangled with an anchor buoy during rough seas. The barge developed a leak, and its stern sank. Response: salvage operations removed small amounts of oil; repaired barge.

May 12, 1973 - Exxon Corporation

Pollution: 5,000 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Pipeline
Rig/Platform: 16" P Lease: G01083
Area:
Block:		 West Delta
73		 Cause: Leak: corrosion
Distance to Shore: 22 Miles Water Depth: 168 Feet
Pipeline Segment: 00807 Pipeline Diameter: 16 Inches

Remarks: Several small leaks occurred in submerged gas & oil pipeline as a result of internal corrosion. Response: repairs were made by installing clamps over the leaks. Pipeline was scheduled to be replaced with a new one in 1974. Possibly over 5,000 bbl spilled.

June 20, 1973 - Chevron Oil Company

Pollution: 239 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling & Motor Vessel
Rig:
Platform:		 Rig Penrod 53
Wells 1 & 3		 Lease: G01657
Area:
Block:		 Main Pass
265		 Cause: Weather Related & Human Error: heavy tide & judgement
Distance to Shore: 56 Miles Water Depth: 300 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. Hose connection parted while unloading diesel fuel from a boat to the rig in rough tide. Inadequate communications delayed discovery and response. Response: Shut off pump; personnel were instructed to ensure that closer communications exist between the rig and the boat during operations.

December 8, 1973 - Amoco Production Company

Pollution: 95.2 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling & Motor Vessel
Rig:
Platform:		 Rig Seadrill 12
Platform C		 Lease: N/A
Area:
Block:		 Eugene Island
215		 Cause: Human Error: negligence
Distance to Shore: 37 Miles Water Depth: 103 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: During fueling operations, the supply boat drifted with the current pulling unwatched fuel loading hose apart. Response: line was shut in and repaired.

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Last Updated: 10/19/09, 11:52 AM