Offshore Incident Update: Rig Repairs Moved Onshore Due to Tropical Storm Beta

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Due to deteriorating weather conditions, offshore repairs are temporarily on hold on the Magellan E&P owned natural gas platform located near Bob Hall Pier on North Padre Island. The derrick barge, a crane equipped boat used for repair, the support boat, and all personnel have departed the rig. The vessels will take safe harbor until weather conditions improve. In order to minimize disruption to the repair process, support work, including the assembly of repair parts, will continue onshore while the vessels remain docked. Once the National Weather Service forecast indicates winds at the platform will subside to 15 mph or less and wave heights are below six feet, offshore repair operations will be resumed.

Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard (USCG) responded to a natural gas, condensate and water leak from the offshore rig. No injuries were reported.

Last week, crews learned that the damage to the wellhead was more extensive than originally anticipated and they would be unable to immediately replace the valve that was leaking. They determined that additional elements of the wellhead would need to be repaired before the replacement could be completed.

According to The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), several locations continue to be aggressively monitored 24/7 for possible airborne contaminants related to the incident and multiple daily samples have yet to indicate any level of material requiring action or concern.

Out of an abundance of caution, the USCG has extended a Temporary Flight Restriction zone (TFR) for aircraft of any kind including drones that covers one mile around and 500-feet above the platform. In addition, they have established an 800-meter safety zone around the platform which must not be crossed by any vessel without permission of the Coast Guard.

As repairs are made, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Magellan E&P, USCG, TCEQ, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continue to closely supervise the situation and are working together to ensure there is a constant vigilance on environmental safety and the safety of residents and visitors of the surrounding communities.

The City of Corpus Christi will continue updating the community. Stay informed with the City’s social channels on Facebook @citygov, Twitter @cityofcc, or visit www.news.cctexas.com