BSEE confirmed on July 12 that Energy Resource Technology, LLC (ERT) stopped the flow of natural gas from well No. 2 at Ship Shoal Block 225, Platform B. The flow from the well, located approximately 74 miles southwest of Port Fourchon, Louisana, was stopped using a pumping operation approved by BSEE that involved pumping drilling fluids into the well. More work is required to permanently secure the well. In the interim, BSEE is requiring that ERT monitor the well for any changes.
BSEE engineers are reviewing plans and procedures from ERT for moving forward to isolate the well’s hydrocarbon zone. A BSEE supervisory inspector is on board the platform monitoring the on-going site assessment and well analysis. Preparations and work to permanently seal the well are expected to continue through the weekend.
The ERT well had been leaking a mixture of gas, salt water, and light condensate to the surface of the Gulf of Mexico since Monday July 8.
Talos Energy—Houston-based firm that acquired ERT from Helix in February 2013—said in a statement earlier this week that the B-2 well is an older gas condensate well that was developed in the 1970s, and began leaking during operations to plug and abandon it. The company also said they believe the age of the tubing may have added to the cause of the leak.
Inspectors from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the US Coast Guard flew over the area on July 9, and began monitoring well control and pollution response efforts from Energy Resource Technology’s command center in Houston.
Talos brought in Wild Well Control to assist in stopping the leak. Following a site safety assessment, BSEE engineers approved the source control procedures including pumping drilling mud into the well to stop the flow of natural gas. The wellhead and associated equipment are located approximately 70ft above the surface of the water, where all platform work is conducted.
US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Colclough
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