Apache Corporation has been conducting plugging and abandonment operations on East Cameron Block 278 Platform B. The facility is located in water depths of 168 feet approximately 90 miles offshore or 95 miles due south of Cameron, La.
At approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, Apache workers spotted bubbling on the water’s surface near the platform. On Monday, Jan. 17, a light hydrocarbon sheen was noted.
Apache has notified regulatory and other authorities and response teams have been mobilized. Remote-operated (ROV) and spill response vessels are on location. The cause of the release is not yet known. Results from the ROV investigation will help determine the source of the flow.
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Source: Apache Corp, January 18, 2011;