Spills ≥ 50 Barrels (2,100 gallons) – 1974

April 17, 1974 - Penzoil Company

Remarks: A break in the Bonita Pipeline was discovered, most probably caused by an anchor dragging across the submerged oil pipeline. Response: the line was shut in and repaired.

May 21, 1974 - Shell Offshore, Inc.

Remarks: Storm caused McDermott derrick barge No. 18 anchored approximately one mile from the platform to drift. The barge dragged its anchor across a submerged gas & oil pipeline breaking the riser loose from the platform. Replaced riser and welded in a forged steel companion flange.

July 10, 1974 - Chambers & Kennedy (C & K) Petroleum, Inc.

Remarks: High liquid level control shut in on storage tank failed causing a carryover on this unmanned platform. Response: all wells were shut in.

September 7, 1974 - ODECO One Thirteen, Inc.

Remarks: Blowout. Casing valve was broken off the wellhead by hurricane. Response: well was killed with calcium chloride solution and repaired.

September 11, 1974 - Shell Offshore, Inc.

Remarks: During Hurricane Carmen, the connection between Shell's 12" Cobia Pipeline and Arco's 8" line was broken. Oil was pumped into the line before the break was discovered. Response: shut in line; the beaches and shallow water in the Chandeleur Island area were cleaned by Clean Gulf Associates. Early estimates showed as 2,213 bbl spilled, and were later revised to 3,500 bbl.

October 4, 1974 - Continental Oil Company

Remarks: The well shut-in valve in the platform control panel failed to respond to a shutdown signal. Oil escaped from the vent on the surge tank when its high-level control also failed to operate. Response: the platform was shut in.

November 27, 1974 - Continental Oil Company

Remarks: The platform was erroneously put on remote control to Continental's main computer. Remote computer put Well No. Q-5D on test, but the flowline had been removed for repairs. The platform was shut in until it was cleaned and flowline was reinstalled.

December 22, 1974 (10 days) - Ocean Production Co./ODECO

Remarks: While attempting to drive pipe into well damaged by a hurricane, the pipe and the well fell over shearing the casing and tubing at the mudline. The well began flowing, and attempts to drill a relief well were unsuccessful. Response: the well was reentered and the flow was directed into storage tanks. The well was plugged and abandoned.