Tropical Depression Nine churns in Gulf as oil rigs prepare for potentially dangerous conditions
THE TAKEAWAY
Numerous oil and gas companies are monitoring offshore operations in the Gulf of America as Tropical Depression Nine develops.
This comes as forecasters say the system is expected to intensify into the dangerous Hurricane Isaias as it barrels toward Louisiana and Mississippi, where many oil rigs are located.
The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) said they are monitoring offshore oil and gas operators as they prepare for the storm.
MMA said it will work with offshore operators and other state and federal agencies until operations return to normal and the storm is no longer a threat to Gulf’s oil and gas activities.
So far, no personnel have been evacuated from the 371 manned platforms, 10 non-dynamically positioned rigs and none of the 17 dynamically positioned rigs have moved from their locations.
If evacuations become necessary, personnel will be removed from offshore facilities and production will be shut in.
This involves closing safety valves located below the surface of the ocean floor to prevent the release of oil or gas to help protect workers and the environment.
Once the storm passes, facilities will be inspected for damage before operations resume.
This type of response is typical when a hurricane threatens oil and gas operations in the Gulf of America.
During Hurricane Ida in 2021, for example, 279 platforms and 11 rigs were evacuated at one point, while more than 90% of Gulf oil production was temporarily shut down, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
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