Investigation Report
Hydrocarbon Discharge During Produced-Water Treatment at Thunder Horse
05-06-2021 07:00 G09868 MC 778 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Valve
- Pollution reporting
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
BSEE investigates a produced-water pollution event at Thunder Horse, involving an estimated five barrels of hydrocarbons discharged into the Gulf of Mexico. Excess clarifier impaired oil–water separation after an injection quill was left open. A failed level-control valve prevented switching to the alternative float cell, prolonging the discharge.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Pollution reporting.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.