An investigation has started into an oil leak from a subsea pipeline near US operator LLOG's Delta House facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
The leak was discovered last week after a sheen was seen on the surface of the water and reported to the National Response Centre, says the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
BSEE says a fracture was observed in a jumper pipe leading from Mississippi Canyon Block 209, Well No. 1 to a manifold on the seafloor at about 4463ft water depth, 40mi of Venice, La. As a result of shutting in the well, the flow through the fracture in the pipe has ceased, says BSEE.
About 7950-9359bo is thought to have leaked, according to BSEE, citing LLOG.
Monitoring of the residual sheen continues. No shoreline impacts have been reported.
BSEE says that LLOG says there is no recoverable oil on surface. LLOG has also reported that two skimming vessels sourced from Clean Gulf Associates and Marine Spill Response Corporation are on location and are prepared to respond.
A BSEE engineer was on-site at LLOG’s incident command Thursday to verify the release location via the live feed from the ROV. Two BSEE inspectors traveled offshore today to LLOG’s Delta House platform and have initiated BSEE’s investigation.
BSEE is coordinating with the US Coast Guard on the response.