GoM Pipeline Fire Update

Lightering operations completed, flaring operations continue on the pipeline fire.

The Coast Guard & assisting agencies continue response operations for a tug and barge that struck the pipeline near Bayou Perot.

After the barge was removed from the scene and taken to a secure location, offloading operations were conducted and completed at approximately 3 p.m. Friday. The crude oil from the barge has been offloaded into a separate barge. At no time was any pollution observed coming from it.

As the residual liquid petroleum gas in the pipeline dwindles, the flaring operations will continue. Flaring operations use flares which are devices that burn or oxidize industrial gaseous wastes in what the Coast Guard describes as a safe, controlled and efficient manner.

The Coast Guard continues to maintain flight restrictions over the airspace near the Shannon E. Settoon barge at and below 5,000 feet within approximately a one-mile radius. Responders have deployed 11,100 feet of boom around the tank barge to contain any possible pollution risks.

The unified command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, Settoon Towing and Chevron. Other agencies and contractors include Louisiana State Police, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, ES&H, CTEH Air Monitoring, T&T Marine Salvage and Resolve Marine.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.