Pipeline  Incidents – 1996

February 01, 1996 - Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: The pollution incident occurred when the 4" oil and gas pipeline developed a hole in the riser.

February 11, 1996 - Energy Resource Technology, Inc.

Remarks: Pollution occurred due to a possible leak in Pipeline Segment. However, subsequent pressure testing revealed no leaks or damage to either. The flow through the JC pipeline was initiated but the JB remains out of service.

March 08, 1996 - Conoco Inc.

Remarks: A pipeline riser rupture and flash fire occurred on the 6" departing bulk gas pipeline. Analysis of the pipe determined that the failure was due to tensile overload consistent with creep failure. Failure due to gradual thinning of pipe wall from corrosion from breaches in pipe coating which ultimately caused the pipe to fail due to overload of the remaining wall thickness. Fire damage was limited to a charred floatation life ring and a charred section of the electrical cable. The pipeline pressure safety low (PSL) sensor actuated and isolated the well and shut off flow.

April 02, 1996 - Unocal Exploration

Remarks: An underwater pipeline developed a leak in which bubbles and a sheen was detected.

June 27, 1996 - Tenneco Offshore Gathering Company

Remarks: Leak at the tie-in of a 12" pipeline and a 36" pipeline. The leak was determined to be a result of damage to a 2" bypass valve. The valve was apparently pulled off by a shrimp net.

July 10, 1996 - Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Remarks: The operator noticed pollution near platform and called it in as a sighting. The pipeline pump began shipping oil through a departing pipeline. Operator then noticed an increase in the slick size and stopped the pipeline pump immediately. Pipeline was bled to zero, the pollution stopped, and the riser was repaired. The leak was too small for pressure safety low to detect.

Ausgust 13, 1996 - Unocal Exploration Corporation

Remarks: There was a 6-in underwater pipeline that was found to be leaking due to an unknown cause.