SEATTLE (Oil Monster): A recent oil spill at the Hibernia offshore oil platform had the potential to trigger a serious fire or explosion, according to Canada's offshore energy regulator. Officials described the May 12 incident as a major hydrocarbon release. Meanwhile, no workers were injured, and no crude oil entered the ocean.
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The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator said the incident occurred while workers were preparing to transfer crude oil to a tanker. The workers heard unusual sounds near a utility shaft. An inspection found that part of a sludge pump had failed, which resulted in a crude oil spill.
The leak was quickly brought under control after a worker manually shut off a valve connected to the damaged equipment. Around 1,600 litres of crude oil were released, but all of it remained on the platform.
Regulators have requested additional information from Hibernia Management and Development Company, which operates the offshore facility. The operator has already submitted a preliminary investigation report, whereas an internal review is still in progress.
The Hibernia platform, located about 315 kilometres east of St. John's, has reported several spill-related enforcement actions in recent years.
