Accident

An eight-month investigation has concluded that a fatal explosion and fire during a construction project last November on a Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil production platform operated by Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC occurred after contractors failed to follow standard safety practices.

An investigation has been launched after an accident at an Encana Corp. natural gas drilling site in Colorado killed one person and injured three others. According to law enforcement officials, a high-pressure gas release occurred when four contractors with BGH Gas Test Operating Inc. of Castle Rock, CO, were ramping up production at the well, which is in the Niobrara formation. No explosion or fire occurred at the drilling site, which is near the town of Platteville, about 30 miles north of Denver. Encana has launched an internal investigation; state officials also are conducting an investigation.

W&T Offshore Inc. CEO Tracy W. Krohn called the April 20 explosion and sinking of Deepwater Horizon and the resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) a terrible accident and said W&T is willing to help in any way “as most companies would be in our industry.”

W&T Offshore Inc. CEO Tracy W. Krohn called the April 20 explosion and sinking of Deepwater Horizon and the resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) a terrible accident and said W&T is willing to help in any way “as most companies would be in our industry.”

At least 19 were confirmed dead and four others missing following a weather-related accident last Wednesday on a platform in the Campeche Sound of the Gulf of Mexico, according to state-run Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex).

At least 18 are confirmed dead and seven others missing following a weather-related accident Wednesday on a platform in the Campeche Sound of the Gulf of Mexico, according to state-run Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex).

An unmanned natural gas platform owned by EOG Resources located off the coast of Galveston sustained heavy damage Friday after being struck by a freighter, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. EOG on Friday said the platform has been shut in for about a month since Hurricane Ivan and said its lines were secured.

An unmanned natural gas platform owned by EOG Resources located off the coast of Galveston sustained heavy damage Friday after being struck by a freighter, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. EOG on Friday said the platform has been shut in for about a month since Hurricane Ivan and said its lines were secured.

The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a consent agreement to resolve issues stemming from a June 23 gas pipeline accident near Perry Boulevard in northwestern Atlanta. A third-party excavator ruptured a 24-inch steel high-pressure gas pipeline owned by Atlanta Gas Light. The commission’s investigation found that gas continued to flow for more than four hours from the ruptured pipeline before the company was able to close the valves. The stipulation requires AGL to pay the state $30,000 and to absorb the cost of the gas lost during the incident, estimated at $17,252. In addition, the company must provide within 45 days a revised Emergency Manual that complies with all state and federal safety regulations. Within 60 days after the PSC staff approves the new manual, the company must ensure that all supervisors, service center managers and distribution center foreman are trained in emergency procedures.