Spills ≥ 50 Barrels (2,100 gallons) – 1985

January 22, 1985 - Marathon Oil Company

Remarks: A pipe elbow broke during the transfer of diesel from a bulk fuel tank into a day tank.

January 23, 1985 - Freeport Minerals

Remarks: A bleedwater platform for sulphur activities was deactivated. A diesel storage tank on the platform had not been drained as assumed. A hole developed in the bottom of the tank due to corrosion, and 2,500 gallons leaked from the tank and line.

February 16, 1985 - Shell Offshore, Inc./Shell Pipeline Corp.

Remarks: The leaking 12.75" pipeline was buried with 14' of cover in 162' of water. Damage consisted of a 9" hole in the concrete coating, a 40 percent circumferential crack in the pipe, and a 4" diameter dent 1.5" deep. The damage is thought to have occurred during original construction after the sizing pig had passed through. This speculation was based on the scan sonor which failed to indicate any anchor scars. Response: a 12x12" Plidco clamp was installed and the pipeline put back in service. Volume spilled estimated 320-373 bbl. The leak was not discovered until February 16, 1985 a brown emulsion from the oil slick was found along the west side of the barrier islands. Spill cleanup efforts continued through March 1, 1985. There was a total of 13 dead birds (gannet, seagulls, and ducks). No pelicans were involved.

February 23, 1985 (8.5 hours) - Amoco Production Company

Remarks: Blowout gas, oil, well flowing. The casing hanger anchor bolts and packing glands were being removed for repair when the well unloaded through the open bolt holes. Opened 2" valve on casing head to relieve pressure but flow was too great to allow replacement of anchor bolts. Casing valve cut out due to flow. Response: evacuated rig; well bridged over and flow ended 8.5 hours later. Estimated recovery 10 bbl.

June 3, 1985 - Placid Oil Company

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. A supply boat was offloading diesel fuel to a drilling rig. The flow meter malfunctioned while the fuel was being pumped. The diesel backed up at the starboard loading line where a 6" valve remained open and spilled into the Gulf.

July 30, 1985 - Amoco Production Company

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. When a crane lifted mineral oil tank to move it, the tank split, parted at the seams.

September 2, 1985 - Andarko Petroleum Corporation

Remarks: A barge-loading hose was not secured well enough and hurricane winds caused it to beat against the side of the platform and rupture. The hose was connected to a 200 bbl condensate storage tank on the production deck. Response: the leak was secured after the storm and the hose replaced.

September 26, 1985 - Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast I

Remarks: EXPLORATION SPILL. The crew was transferring diesel fuel from a supply boat to the rig. The supply line burst and diesel spilled into the Gulf.

November 9, 1985 - Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast I

Remarks: A spud barge punctured a hole in the submerged oil pipeline 1.25 miles from Platform B. A spool section of new pipe replaced damaged section of line. The final spill volume was determined to be 200 bbl following the repair of the pipeline and inspection of the pumping logs.

NOAA Incident News: 6299