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Cheryl Anderson

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  Gulf of Mexico Region

Spills ≥ 50 Barrels (2,100 gallons)1985

January 22, 1985 - Marathon Oil Company

Pollution: 107.1 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling
Rig: Platform: Rig Pool 17
Platform B
Lease: G01874
Area: Block: West Delta
79
Cause: Equipment Failure: pipe elbow
Distance to Shore: 7 Miles Water Depth: 130 Feet

Remarks: A pipe elbow broke during the transfer of diesel from a bulk fuel tank into a day tank.


January 23, 1985 - Freeport Minerals

Pollution: 59.52 bbl Diesel Operation: Deactivation
Rig/Platform: Sulphur Platform Lease: N/A
Area: Block: Grand Isle
17
Cause: Equipment Failure & Human Error: tank & judgement
Distance to Shore: 9 Miles Water Depth: 50 Feet

Remarks: A bleedwater platform for sulphur activities was deactivated. A diesel storage tank on the platform had not been drained as assumed. A hole developed in the bottom of the tank due to corrosion, and 2,500 gallons leaked from the tank and line.


February 16, 1985 - Shell Offshore, Inc./Shell Pipeline Corp.

Pollution: 323 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Pipeline
Rig/Platform: Platform A
Pompano System Pipeline
Lease: G02947
Area: Block: Main Pass
73
Cause: External Damage: anchor
Distance to Shore: 10 Miles Water Depth: 162 Feet
Pipeline Segment: 03459 Pipeline Diameter: 13 Inches

Remarks: The leaking 12.75" pipeline was buried with 14' of cover in 162' of water. Damage consisted of a 9" hole in the concrete coating, a 40 percent circumferential crack in the pipe, and a 4" diameter diameter dent 1.5" deep. The damage is thought to have occurred during original construction after the sizing pig had passed through. This speculation was based on the scan sonor which failed to indicate any anchor scars. Response: a 12x12" Plidco clamp was installed and the pipeline put back in service. Volume spilled estimated 320-373 bbl. On Tuesday, February 9, a brown emulsion from the oil slick was found along the west side of the barrier islands. Spill cleanup efforts continued through March 1, 1985. There was a total of 13 dead birds (gannet, seagulls, and ducks). No pelicans were involved.

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February 23, 1985 (8.5 hours) - Amoco Production Company

Pollution: 50 bbl Crude Oil Operation: Workover
Rig:
Platform:
Pool Rig #2
Well B13
Platform B
Lease: G01085
Area: Block: West Delta
90
Cause: Equipment Failure
Distance to Shore: 12 Miles Water Depth: 196 Feet
Other Events: Loss of Well Control

Remarks: Blowout gas, oil, well flowing. The casing hanger anchor bolts and packing glands were being removed for repair when the well unloaded through the open bolt holes. Opened 2" valve on casing head to relieve pressure but flow was too great to allow replacement of anchor bolts. Casing valve cut out due to flow.Response: evacuated rig; well bridged over and flow ended 8.5 hours later. Estimated recovery 10 bbl.


June 3, 1985 - Placid Oil Company

Pollution: 643 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling & Motor Vessel
Rig/Platform: Rig Penrod 78 (semisub), Well 1 Lease: G07049
Area: Block: Green Canyon
254
Cause: Equipment Failure: flow meter
Distance to Shore: 99 Miles Water Depth: 3,115 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. A supply boat was offloading diesel fuel to a drilling rig. The flow meter malfunctioned while the fuel was being pumped. The diesel backed up at the starboard loading line where a 6" valve remained open and spilled into the Gulf.


July 30, 1985 - Amoco Production Company

Pollution: 50 bbl Mineral Oil Operation: Drilling
Rig/Platform: Rig Rowan Louisiana (jack-up), Well 1 Lease: G05966
Area: Block: North Padre Island
A11
Cause: Equipment Failure: tank ruptured
Distance to Shore: 45 Miles Water Depth: 200 Feet

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. When a crane lifted mineral oil tank to move it, the tank split, parted at the seams.


September 2, 1985 - Andarko Petroleum Corporation

Pollution: 66 bbl Condensate Operation: Production
Rig: Platform: Platform A Lease: G06838
Area: Block: Chandeleur
18
Cause: Weather Related & Equipment Failure: hurricane & transfer hose
Distance to Shore: 32 Miles Water Depth: 55 Feet

Remarks: A barge-loading hose was not secured well enough and hurricane winds caused it to beat against the side of the platform and rupture. The hose was connected to a 200 bbl condensate storage tank on the production deck. Response: the leak was secured after the storm and the hose replaced.

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September 26, 1985 - Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast I

Pollution: 58 bbl Diesel Operation: Drilling & Motor Vessel
Rig/
Platform:
Rig Charger II (jack-up), Well 1 Lease: G05322
Area: Block: West Cameron
421
Cause: Equipment Failure: transfer hose
Distance to Shore: 73 Miles Water Depth: 103 Feet
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. The crew was transferring diesel fuel from a supply boat to the rig. The supply line burst and diesel spilled into the Gulf.


November 9, 1985 - Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast I

Pollution: 50 bbl Crude 0il Operation: Pipeline & Barge
Rig: Platform: Platform B Lease: N/A
Area: Block: Eugene Island
51
Cause: External Damage: anchor
Distance to Shore: 13 Miles Water Depth: 17 Feet
Pipeline Segment: 03783 Pipeline Diameter: 12 Inches
Other Events: Vessel Mishap

Remarks: A spud barge punctured a hole in the submerged oil pipeline 1.25 miles from Platform B. A spool section of new pipe replaced damaged section of line.


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Last Updated: 06/24/08, 02:42 PM

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