Pipeline Events – 2000

January 21, 2000 - Equilon Pipeline Company LLC
(also listed as Pollution and Other Event)
(1,800 barrels of oil)

Remarks: The anchor of drilling rig that was being towed dragged the pipeline along the seafloor 650 feet from its original location. The pipeline ruptured and tore at the girth welds on the riser. The riser was also torn from the riser clamps. Side Scan Sonar survey information showed that the anchor was dragged from the rigs originating location about 20 miles to the point where it hooked the pipeline. The USCG was also investigating this incident.

March 06, 2000 - Forcenergy, Inc. (also listed as Other Event)

Remarks: A bi-directional pipeline rise equipped with a ¾-inch nipple and ball valve developed a pinhole leak. There was no way at the time to bleed down the pipeline. The drilling rig on location over the platform was evacuated as a precaution.

March 23, 2000 - Barrett Resources Corporation
(also listed as Other Event)

Remarks: There was an apparent leak from the riser. No slick or sheen was observed and no detectable reduction in gas sales volume was being reported by SCADA telemetry. The pinhole leak in the riser was not large enough to lower the pressure sufficiently for the PSH to shut in the structure. As a result of the incident, the necessary telemetry to remotely shut in the platform was installed.

August 14, 2000 - Exxon Mobil Corporation
(also listed as Other Event)
(4.5—5.0 barrels of oil)

Remarks: An 8-inch pipeline leak located about 2,000 feet from the platform released a spill of about 4.5 to 5 barrels of oil. The line was shut in for repair.

August 17, 2000 - Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America
(also listed as Other Event)
(3 barrels of gas/condensate)

Remarks: A 4-foot boil was seen coming from a gas leak that was reported earlier. A silvery sheen (112 gallons)(1/4 mile x 16-mile area) was spotted in the same area. Consequently, a 16-inch gas/condensate pipeline leading to the shoreline was shut in so that a repair clamp could be installed over the leak area.  

September 26, 2000 - Chevron Pipe Line Company
(also listed as Other Event)
(<3 barrels of oil)

Remarks: A pinhole leak developed in a 6-inch oil pipeline leading from Main Pass 133 A to Main Pass 144 A. About 132 gals of oil leaked out of the pipeline. All production was shut in. A dive crew was being sent to the site to repair the pipeline with a clamp.

October 31, 2000 - Forest Oil Corporation
(also listed as Other Event)

Remarks: During platform removal operations, the removal contractor drilled a 3/8-inch hold into the riser. The pipeline was thought to be out of service and therefore no pressure. However, the line had 850 psi on because it was being fed by two other platforms. Divers were dispatched and the subsea pipeline tie-in valves were closed to isolate the faulty segment. The investigation findings showed that the hole was drilled into the pipeline by the contractor without permission prior to an inspection of the pipeline. The operator may not have investigated to see if other lines were tied into the pipeline before attempting to abandon it.