Natural Gas Leak Continues In the Gulf of Mexico

Natural gas continues to leak from a platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The leak was reported to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Regulation & Enforcement (BOEMRE) on the morning of July 16. Workers on the platform were permanently plugging the non-producing gas wells when they noticed gas bubbling to the surface.

The gas leak is located near East Cameron Block 278 Platform B, approximately 90 miles offshore Louisiana, or 95 miles south of Cameron, LA in 168-feet of water. BOEMRE reports that the Apache Corp. owned platform has not been in production for nearly a decade and is currently used to process natural gas and condensate for other facilities. The platform was initially evacuated, however Apache personnel have been given permission to re-board the platform to contain the leak and make necessary repairs.

Under the direction of BOEMRE, Apache is making preparations to drill a relief well to be used in the event that efforts to contain the leak are unsuccessful. Apache has said that the bubbling discolored water found near the platform is likely the result of sediment from the ocean floor, gas, and formation water mixing together.

Air monitoring of the well found no traces of gas emissions and BOEMRE says “Oil is not believed to be present other than in small amounts of condensate, which quickly evaporates.”

In a statement, Apache corp said they "acquired East Cameron 278 in 2003. The development of the wells and installation of the platform occurred in the 1990s by prior owner-operators. Apache holds a 50% working interest, with Stone Energy holding the remaining working interest."

The bureau will continue to oversee operations to seal the leak and will conduct an investigation of the incident.
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Source: BOEMRE