BSEE Conducts Unannounced Spill Drill to Test Subsea Containment Response

BSEE has completed the first unannounced oil spill drill since the October reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service. Led jointly by BSEE in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Louisiana, the drill tested Stone Energy Corp.’s ability to assess a subsea well control situation and mobilize the proper subsea containment/intervention equipment in a timely manner. The scenario was premised on a hypothetical blowout experienced by one of its deepwater exploratory wells, and a final evaluation will follow when analysis of all documentation is completed. The Unannounced Spill Drill Program tests an operator’s ability to implement its response plan and notify the appropriate entities and personnel in the event of a spill. The drill allows an operator to determine what needs to change in the response process in order to avoid catastrophic spills.