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The
NewsRoom
Release: #3204
Date: November 19, 2004
MMS Begins Investigation into Gas Release on
Platform Gail
This morning the Minerals Management Service began an
investigation into yesterday’s natural gas leak from a single well on
Venoco, Inc.’s Platform Gail, located 9.9 miles offshore Ventura
County, California. MMS inspectors, along with a U.S. Coast Guard
representative, are on the offshore facility today to begin an initial
investigation into the cause of the leak.
As part of its overall
investigation, the MMS will examine facility operational procedures as
well as mechanical and safety devices on the platform. After on-scene
information is collected the MMS will begin a thorough review and
analysis to determine the cause of yesterday’s single well gas leak.
Venoco, Inc. will also conduct a
concurrent in-house investigation. The company will furnish their
findings to the MMS in addition to a reporting of actions to be taken
by the company to prevent such occurrences from happening in the
future.
There are no reports of injuries
or significant water pollution as a result of yesterday’s natural gas
leak.
The MMS stands committed to ensure
the safety of offshore personnel and protection of the marine
environment.
The Minerals Management Service is
the federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages
the nation’s oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources on the
Outer Continental Shelf in Federal offshore waters. The agency also
collects, accounts for, and disburses mineral revenues from Federal
and American Indian lands. MMS disbursed more than $8 billion
in FY 2003 and more than $143 billion since the agency was created in
1982. Nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and
Water Conservation Fund annually for the acquisition and development
of state and Federal park and recreation lands.
Relevant Web Sites:
MMS Main Website
Pacific OCS Region
Website
Media Contacts:
John Romero (805)
389-7533
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for
America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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