These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 030-97 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | Sitrep Two |
| Occurence Date: | 14 August, 1997 |
| Location: | South Timbalier, Gulf of Mexico - Block 270 |
| Source: | Unknown Pipeline |
| Material: | Crude Oil |
| Severity: | Medium |
| Quantity Discharged: | 42,000 Gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | 42,000 Gallons |
| Body of Water Affected: | Gulf of Mexico |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | MSO Morgan City, LA |
SITUATION: On Thursday, August 14, 1997, two areas (1/2 mile by 2 miles in size) of black oil were discovered to be bubbling up in the vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico's offshore area South Timbalier, Block 270. Shell, Texaco, and Forest Oil companies all have pipelines nearby the slicks and were advised to shut in their pipelines and investigate. Texaco assumed responsibility for the clean-up. The pipelines were all brought to full pressure to check for leaks with none being located. Overflights of the area failed to produce any results as well. Due to nature of bubbling and dissipation of sheen it is suspected that the material was natural gas and condensate. CASE CLOSED.