Grand Isle Block 54 Oil Spill; Gulf of Mexico, LA

Source report excerpt: “At present, the nearest active NOAA weather station (South Timbalier Block 52) is currently reporting WNW winds at 14-16 Knots. These values are roughly consistent with the NOAA Marine Forecast, and the winds are expected to shift to a more northerly direction tonight and be NE to E winds by Sunday night. The sea state is reported as only 1 to 3 foot waves with light to moderate chop. There may also be a slight westerly offshore current. Under these conditions, a light silver sheen sourced from a light to medium API crude oil would not be expected to persist for much more than three miles (this assumes as stated that only silver sheen was observed). If the slick is light as described, it […]”

Source report excerpt: “On Saturday Evening, 8 Nov. 2008, the NOAA HAZMAT Duty Officer was notified by USCG MSU Morgan City of a release from an offshore wellhead. The cause was unknown at the time of the notification, but may be associated with a wellhead casing or repairs to a casing. The reported position is 28° 55’ 37’ N Lat. 089° 56’ 41” W Long. This position places the wellhead approximately 20 nautical miles S of Grand Isle, LA. The NRC report stated that the release was observed at 1600 hrs (local time) and a sheen 15840 feet (3 miles) by 900 feet. No information as to if the source oil or the leak rate was provided. It is believed that the source is still unsecured. The sheen was reported only as silver […]”

Source report excerpt: “Updated Verbal Trajectory Analysis, 9 Nov. 2008 PM Situation The USCG reported that the wellhead continues to release crude oil. Today, the observed slick/sheen extended 5.5 miles as compared to 3 miles yesterday. The latest estimate is that 18 bbls have been released. The position of the release is approximately 20 nautical miles S of Grand Isle, LA. On Sunday evening, 9 Nov. 2008, the USCG requested an updated trajectory. If any of the above information is incorrect, please contact the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator immediately as it may have an affect on the following trajectory analysis. Trajectory Analysis At present, the nearest active NOAA weather station (South Timbalier Block […]”

Source report excerpt: “On Saturday Evening, 8 Nov. 2008 USCG MSU Morgan City was notified of a release from an offshore wellhead. The cause was unknown at the time of the notification, but was associated with a damaged wellhead and a gas relief casing (pipe or, more properly, caisson) that has now filled with oil. The capacity of the casing equates to 175 bbls of crude oil. The reported position is 28° 55’ 37’ N Lat. 089° 56’ 41” W Long. This position places the wellhead approximately 20 nautical miles S of Grand Isle, LA. On Sunday, 9 Nov., the slick was observed to extend 5.5 miles from the source before dissipating. The release, as of Sunday evening, was estimated at 18 bbls. An updated trajectory was provided […]”

Source report excerpt: “The USCG reports that the RP’s response team has pumped 18 bbls out of the caisson. This action lowered the oil level by more than 8 ft below the top of the pipe. They are currently assessing the source of the leak. No additional information available at present.”

Source report excerpt: “There was no additional support requested by the USCG, and there was no follow up information provided by the USCG. This entry constitutes the Final (or Close Out) Report for this incident. NOAA’s support role was limited to remote trajectory support. In the post-Hurricane period, many loose ends were left due to other response issues. The last report from the USCG was that this incident was secured, and this report serves only to close out the Hotline that was initiated.”