Tag: BSEE

Incidents of Non-Compliance The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)issued a second set of regulatory violations arising from operations conducted in connection with the Macondo well. The violations were issued as Incidents of Non-Compliance (INC). A total of five INCs were issued by faxed letter to BP; four of the INCs were violations of one regulation in different sections of the well."Our federal regulations exist to ensure safe and environmentally-responsible activities. We will continue to be vigilant in enforcing those regulations," said BSEE Director James Watson. "Further review of the evidence demonstrated additional regulatory violations by BP in its drilling and abandonment operations at the Macondo well."The following is a listing of the federal regulations and INCs issued today to BP:One violation of 30 CFR 250.427 - BP failed to conduct an accurate pressure integrity test at the 13-5/8" liner shoe.Four violations of 30 CFR 250.427(b) - BP failed to suspend drilling operations at the Macondo well when the safe drilling margin identified in the approved application for permit to drill was not maintained.BSEE's regulations governing the issuance of regulatory violations provides for a 60-day appeal period. Once the appeal period has ended, BSEE will consider the imposition of ...

IT summarizes the investigative findings related to areas of BSEE responsibility On April 20, 2010, while the crew of the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Deepwater Horizon (DWH) was finishing work after drilling the Macondo well, an undetected influx of hydrocarbons escalated to a blowout. Shortly after the blowout, hydrocarbons that had flowed onto the rig floor ignited in two separate explosions.The flowing hydrocarbons fueled a fire on the rig that continued to burn until the rig sank on April 22, 2010. These events resulted in the tragic loss of eleven lives and multiple injuries. Due to the valiant efforts of the crews on the Damon Bankston and Ramblin Wreck, 115 survivors were able to evacuate the DWH and be immediately rescued.Crews of several other vessels in the area were first responders to the scene and also provided assistance to those in need. Over a period of 87 days, almost 5 million barrels1 of oil were discharged from the Macondo well into the Gulf of Mexico resulting in the largest oil spill in U.S. history and affecting offshore and coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico.Because of the severity of the accident, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and ...

Insights on the effects of water depth on oil and gas operations The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's (BSEE) yesterday concluded a two-day workshop that brought together experts from the oil and gas industry, and drilling and supply contractors to share information and insights on the effects of water depth on oil and gas operations. This type of information sharing was recommended by the Interior Department's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Safety Oversight Board in its September 2010 Report."It is critical that we obtain input from industry experts about the range of unique challenges presented by operating in deep water," said BSEE Director Michael R. Bromwich. "We will continue to follow-up on the insights and recommendations raised at this week's discussion so that we can better meet the special challenges of deepwater, and ensure that oil and gas in deep water is explored and developed in the most safe and environmentally responsible manner."The workshop drew approximately 140 people including oil and gas operators, drilling contractors, service and supply contractors, and BSEE personnel. Attendees focused on six areas of deepwater operations: well control with surface blowout preventers; well control with subsea blowout preventers; well drilling and completion design and barriers; pre-incident ...

Designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries and spills in oil and gas exploration The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)issued a Notice to Lessees (NTL) that provides further guidance on the previously issued Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) rule. The SEMS rule, also referred to as the Workplace Safety Rule, is designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries and spills that occur in connection with offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The NTL consolidates guidance and information to help operators comply with the requirements of the rule. Operators are required to implement a SEMS program by November 15, 2011.In October 2010, BSEE's predecessor agency, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), issued the Workplace Safety Rule requiring offshore oil and gas operators to develop and maintain a SEMS program (http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Announces-Regulations-to-Strengthen-Drilling-Safety-Reduce-Risk-of-Human-Error-on-Offshore-Oil-and-Gas-Operations.cfm). NTL 2011-N09 provides additional information on SEMS, which is a comprehensive safety and environmental impact program designed to reduce the human and organizational errors that are the causes of many work-related accidents and offshore oil spills. The requirements apply to all OCS oil and gas operations and the facilities under BSEE jurisdiction, including drilling, ...