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Pacific Region

Losses of Well Control - 2000

November 19, 2000 – VENOCO, Inc

MMS Investigation Report: Completed Activity: Development
Lease: P00205 Event(s): Loss of well Control, Pollution
Area: Pacific Operation: Well E-9 Workover
Block: 6B 4661 Cause: Human Error
Rig/Platform: Platform Gail Water Depth: 739 feet

Remarks: The crew experienced an uncontrolled flow from the well after releasing a bridge plug during a well workover operation.. The flow lasted about 20 seconds, and consisted of approximately 10 barrels of water and 15 barrels of oil. About one gallon of oil sprayed overboard. The blowout preventor (BOP) was used to shut-in the well. The well is under control.

The event is over and the recovery operation was completed at 12:10 p.m. on 11/20/00. The incident is under investigation by MMS.

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Last Updated:  06/24/08, 03:07 PM

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