Offshore Incident Update: Calmer Seas Allow for Rig Repairs to Continue
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – There are currently no storms in the Gulf and repair crews are back out on the Magellan E&P owned natural gas platform continuing repairs to the damaged wellhead. Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard (USCG) responded to a natural gas, condensate and water leak from the offshore rig located near Bob Hall Pier on North Padre Island. No injuries were reported.
The team repositioned the barge and set up containment booms around the platform. These absorbent materials will capture dust and other material that may fall off the platform during the repair process.
A fire suppression system has been set up and can be seen from the coastline while in use. This safety mechanism uses ocean water to help spray down the platform for cleaning and keep crews safe in the unlikely event of fire.
The City wants to assure residents that several locations continue to be monitored for possible airborne contaminants related to the incident and multiple daily samples have yet to indicate any level of material requiring action or concern.
Out of an abundance of caution, the USCG has extended a Temporary Flight Restriction zone (TFR) for aircraft of any kind including drones that covers one mile around and 500-feet above the platform. In addition, they are maintaining an 800-meter safety zone around the platform which must not be crossed by any vessel without permission of the Coast Guard.
As repairs are made, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Magellan E&P, USCG, TCEQ, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continue to closely supervise the situation and are working together to ensure there is a constant vigilance on environmental safety and the safety of residents and visitors of the surrounding communities.
The City of Corpus Christi will continue updating the community as the repairs progress. Stay informed with the City’s social channels on Facebook @citygov, Twitter @cityofcc, or visit www.news.cctexas.com