Control
Pollution Reporting
Reporting and notification of environmental releases.
Documents
- 202631 Mar
Notification, reporting and recording requirements for incidents
This guidance explains NOPSEMA notification, written reporting and record-keeping requirements for occupational safety, well-control and environmental incidents. It addresses reportability thresholds, safety-critical control impairment, harassment and bullying, monthly operational returns and environmental records. Illustrative examples distinguish performance-standard breaches from permitted exceptions when determining whether notification is required.
- 2026Mar
PON1 Guidance for Reporting Oil and Offshore Chemical Releases
Guidance sets out PON1 notification requirements for oil and offshore chemical releases during offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes releases from intentional discharges, specifies reporting responsibilities, timeframes and portal submission, and explains quantity determination and ongoing updates. Appendices address subsea systems, drainage, produced-water caissons, vessels, flaring and excessive powder venting.
- 202622 Jan
Preparing an environmental performance report
Guidance for titleholders preparing environmental performance reports under Australian offshore petroleum regulations. It explains submission intervals, supporting records and recommended reporting structure, including performance outcomes and standards, emissions and discharges, monitoring, incidents and changes to environment plans. Decommissioning reporting and example compliance tables are also covered.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 202522 Aug
Petroleum activities and Australian Marine Parks guidance note
Guidance explains environmental assessment, authorisation and consultation requirements for petroleum activities affecting Australian Marine Parks. It addresses park zoning, Director of National Parks consultation, acceptable impacts and ALARP demonstrations, cumulative effects, environmental performance and incident notification. Appended questions clarify class approvals, separate permissions and prior usage rights.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202317 Aug
Offshore Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Guidance
Explains pollution prevention and control requirements for offshore combustion installations, distinguishing installation and plant classifications, aggregation rules and exemptions. Covers permit applications and variations, best available techniques, emission limits, dispersion modelling, monitoring and annual reporting. Appendices provide assessment flowcharts and methods for analysing combustion plant loads and thermal efficiency.
- 202319 May
Environmental Alert 002/2023
OPRED clarifies reporting of oil discharged to sea when produced-water permit limits are exceeded. Worked calculations distinguish excess oil mass from total discharge for average-concentration and load breaches. The alert also explains maximum-concentration reporting, retains total-discharge reporting through EEMS, and announces planned IRS guidance and calculation updates.
- 2023
Ren Split Rule 2023
Unofficial pre-publication text of a joint final rule transferring offshore renewable-energy safety, environmental oversight and enforcement regulations from BOEM to BSEE without changing substantive requirements. It sets out revised regulatory parts, agency responsibilities, facility verification, inspections, environmental reviews, reporting and decommissioning provisions, including alternate uses of existing facilities.
- 202223 Nov
Oil leakage from vessel crane onto quayside
A vessel crane’s hydraulic hose ruptured during retrieval of anchor handling chains, spilling oil onto the quayside. Poor lighting hindered detection during inspection, and crew initially failed to report the incident. The flash calls for awareness of environmental reporting requirements and planned hose inspection and condition-based renewal.
- 2022Aug
PPC Offshore Emissions Monitoring Guidance Rev4
Guidance for managing offshore combustion emissions monitoring under PPC regulations. It explains plant-specific monitoring requirements, baseline surveys, periodic and continuous measurement, reference-condition corrections, certification and reporting. Predictive emissions monitoring requires specific permit approval for compliance use. Direct flare monitoring and combustion carbon dioxide reporting are outside its scope.
- 2022Jun
OPEP Guidance - Rev 7 - June 2022
Guidance for preparing and obtaining approval for oil pollution emergency plans covering offshore oil and gas operations and oil handling facilities. It specifies plan interfaces, worst-case spill modelling, response resources, training and exercises, pollution notification, sea-surface sampling, dispersant decisions, shoreline protection and arrangements for government involvement.
- 2021
NTL 2021-G01 - Incident, Oil Spill, and Permit Request Notification Instructions (Regular Hours and After Hours Guidance)
BSEE guidance sets out Gulf of Mexico notification arrangements for incidents, spills and urgent operational approval requests. It distinguishes regular-hours submissions from after-hours reporting and permit requests, explains contact escalation and electronic notification conditions, and provides contact lists and district responsibility boundaries.
- 202016 Oct
Deficiencies in Process Piping Cause Gas Release Incidents
BSEE describes several Gulf of Mexico gas releases involving cracked welds, leaking gaskets and corrosion beneath insulation. The alert links incidents to quality assurance and mechanical integrity deficiencies, with vibration-related fatigue a possible contributor in one case. Recommendations address piping integrity programmes, leak detection, reporting, training and maintenance of compressors and pulsation dampeners.
- 202014 Jan
Environmental Alert 001/2020
This environmental alert announces changes to the Met Office’s out-of-hours incident reporting service for OPRED. It specifies a replacement telephone number, a transition ending on 31 March 2020, required updates to Oil Pollution Emergency Plans, personnel notification and a revised service start time of 16:00 each working day.
- 2020
NTL 2020-P01 Contact with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region Offices During and Outside Regular Work Hours
This BSEE guidance explains how Pacific Outer Continental Shelf operators should contact regional offices during and outside normal working hours. It distinguishes operational approval requests, incident and pipeline notifications, and oil-spill reporting, including responsibilities of the three offices and arrangements for urgent after-hours calls.
- 201925 Apr
Oil spill during bunkering
A vessel bunkering alongside spilled around three litres of fuel after a hose coupling was loosened to investigate back pressure. The flash identifies failures to check drainage and residual pressure, describes containment and clean-up on deck and pier, and records a full review of bunkering procedures.
- 2019
Incident and Spill Reports NTL 2019-N05
BSEE guidance clarifies reporting obligations for incidents, spills and pipeline damage during Outer Continental Shelf operations. It defines reportable events, explains oral notification and written submission requirements, and distinguishes electronic reporting routes and deadlines. Additional provisions address Arctic operations, injury reporting thresholds and the distinction between first aid and medical treatment.
- 2018Jun
Methodology for the Sampling and Analysis of Produced Water and other Hydrocarbon Discharges
Technical guidance for sampling and analysing produced water and other offshore hydrocarbon discharges. It describes BEIS infrared and Triple Peak methods, the OSPAR GC-FID reference method, sample preservation, calibration and correlation requirements. Separate procedures cover oil on solids, bi-annual component analysis, online monitor validation and environmental reporting.
- 2018
Notice to Lessees 2018-G02
BSEE guidance explains notification routes for incidents, pollution and urgent operational approval requests in the Gulf of Mexico OCS region. It distinguishes regular-hours and after-hours procedures, including escalation sequences, reporting thresholds and permit-request restrictions. Attachments provide contact lists and district responsibility boundaries.
- 20164 Dec
Failure to report hydraulic leak subsea
During diver monitoring of a subsea manifold valve, a hydraulic release went unrecorded and unreported. The client discovered it some four months later through video review. The flash identifies unfamiliarity with reporting procedures and unclear processes for additional works, emphasising pollution notification requirements and their inclusion in dive plans.
- 201615 Apr
Environmental Alert 001/2016
This environmental alert describes inaccurate coordinates in PON1 pollution notifications identified through a DECC review. Insufficient quality checks, incorrect east/west assignments and confusion between host platforms and subsea tiebacks affected reported locations. Operators and owners should review installation and tieback coordinates to improve reporting accuracy.
- 20155 Aug
Environmental Alert 003/2015 (Amended) - Issue date 5 August 2015
This environmental alert clarifies when operators should select the ‘known third party’ option in PON1 pollution reports. It distinguishes delegated reporting from releases outside an operator’s reporting responsibilities, explains ROV and vessel reporting arrangements, and stresses that responsible parties should also submit the appropriate notification.
- 2015
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Effects Reports
BSEE guidance specifies hurricane and tropical storm reporting for Gulf of Mexico offshore operators. It covers personnel evacuation, production curtailment, facility damage and oil pollution, detailing report contents and submission arrangements. Electronic reporting through eWell is strongly encouraged, with email and fax alternatives when the system is unavailable.
- 201410 Nov
Environmental Alert 005/2014
DECC warns that misinterpreting the calibration solution volume in oil-on-sand calculations can halve reported concentrations, potentially understating marine oil discharges and breaching permitted limits. The alert requires clear analytical procedures, personnel awareness, recalculation of affected 2014 discharges and non-compliance notifications where permitted concentrations were exceeded.
- 201429 Aug
Environmental Alert 003/2014
Following inspection findings of non-compliance, this alert outlines operators’ F-Gas obligations for leakage prevention, prompt repairs, regular checks and detection systems above 300 kg capacity. It explains notification requirements for accidental or unintended emissions exceeding 1000 tonnes CO2 equivalent and warns of future compliance inspections and enforcement.
- 201431 Mar
Environmental Alert 001/2014
Environmental alert addressing non-compliance with PON1 pollution reporting requirements. It reiterates electronic notification within six hours under normal circumstances, immediate telephone notification to the nearest coastguard station, and fax submission if the electronic system is unavailable. Initial reporting should not await complete incident details; subsequent information can update the original notification.
- 201412 Mar
OPPC Applications Frequently Asked Questions - (updated 12/03/14)
Frequently asked questions explain oil discharge permit applications through PETS, including start dates, supporting attachments, Environmentally Critical Elements strategies and Standard Industry Conditions. The guidance also addresses environmental impact justification, changes to EEMS discharge returns, application review checks and responsibilities for maintaining application details.
- 201320 Nov
Environmental Alert 007/2013
This environmental alert addresses incomplete reporting of atmospheric F-gas emissions to EEMS following regulatory inspections. It clarifies that omission from the reporting form does not remove reporting obligations, describes notifying DECC so products can be added, and reminds operators that the regulation covers production and drilling installations.
- 201323 May
Environmental Alert 003/2013
DECC highlights late PON1 environmental incident reporting: approximately one in three initial submissions reviewed since 2011 missed the six-hour requirement. The alert identifies reported obstacles and outlines ways to avoid delays, including onshore assistance, fax submissions during IT outages and subsequent information updates. Required telephone notifications are also addressed.
- 201327 Mar
Environmental Alert 002/2013
This environmental alert highlights incomplete identification and reporting of chemicals in releases to sea. Examples concern production chemicals in leaking seawater injection fluids and an unreported corrosion inhibitor in a glycol release. Operators must assess stream composition fully and report relevant components through PON1 or non-compliance reporting.
- 201230 Oct
Environmental Alert 001/2012
An environmental alert describes a significant bulk chemical release from a silo vent line during transfer between a supply vessel and an installation. It highlights uneven risk management for bulk chemical bunkering and requires appropriate assessments and procedures, increased personnel awareness, and PON1 reporting of releases to sea.
- 2012
Notice to Lessees 2012-N06
BSEE guidance clarifies regional oil spill response plan preparation under 30 CFR Part 254, distinguishing requirements from encouraged practices. It addresses worst-case discharge strategies, recovery capability, dispersants, subsea containment, reporting, training and equipment maintenance. Planning instructions incorporate lessons from Deepwater Horizon and address resource availability for prolonged responses.
- 2012
Notice to Lessees 2012-N07
BSEE guidance clarifies written follow-up reporting for oil discharges of one barrel or more, due within 15 calendar days after spillage stops or ceases. It distinguishes mandatory information from encouraged detail, covers discharge estimates and response records, and explains options for using Incident Action Plans and electronic reporting through eWell.
- 20119 Dec
Environmental Alert 002/2011
This environmental alert addresses increased reports of articles lost or dropped into the sea from offshore installations, attributed to adverse weather. It calls for assessment of potentially detachable structures, review of high-wind policies and secure storage of loose articles, and reminds operators of the six-hour deadline for required PON2 notifications.
- 201129 Mar
Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (as amended): Guidance (March 2011)
Guidance explains offshore chemical permitting, registration, environmental assessment and reporting under the amended Regulations. It distinguishes authorised use and discharge from unintentional releases, describes CHARM and OCNS assessment methods, and covers permit variations, monitoring, enforcement and substitution. Annexes explain chemical screening, phase-out planning and annual reporting.
- 20105 Jan
Environmental Alert 001/2010
This environmental alert identifies omissions of pipelines and subsea infrastructure from Oil Pollution Emergency Plans, including unclear responsibilities for shared and third-party assets. Operators are advised to review coverage and document responsibilities. It explains requirements for pipeline coverage and allocation of pollution reporting and response duties for subsea tiebacks.
- 20092 Apr
Environmental Alert 002/2009
This environmental alert describes incomplete or incorrect emergency telephone details on PON1 reports during out-of-hours oil pollution incidents. Difficulties contacting operators could hinder information gathering for response decisions. Operators are reminded to check and update emergency contact details regularly and ensure reported numbers are available around the clock.
- 200617 Apr
Final Rule (FR 19640)
MMS final rule restructures incident reporting for Outer Continental Shelf operators and pipeline right-of-way holders. It specifies immediate notifications and written reports within 15 calendar days, expands injury reporting criteria, clarifies reportable releases and permits flexible report formats while retaining obligations to notify other regulatory agencies.
- 1999
OCS Report 1999
Statistical compilation of 1999 Outer Continental Shelf incidents in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific regions, using TIMS records. It compares operational trends and presents case accounts of blowouts, fires, injuries, crane failures, collisions and pollution, including equipment behaviour, investigation findings and emergency responses. Appendices provide historical comparisons.
- 1996
Calendar Year 1995-1996
Regional compilation of Outer Continental Shelf incidents reported for 1995–1996, combining case narratives with graphical summaries. It covers well-control events, collisions, explosions, fires, fatalities, injuries and pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific regions. Incident types within a single event are counted separately, and some investigations remained pending.
- Undated
Mixed-Fluid Release from a Subsea Well
BSEE investigates a mixed-fluid release from Shell’s PN003 subsea well at Mississippi Canyon 943. ROV diagnostics identified the leak, and valve closure and pressure testing restored two barriers. Tubing and control-line separation was suspected, pending recovery and analysis. The report records revised release estimates and planned tubing replacement.
- Undated
Well-Control Event and Hydrocarbon Spill During Coiled Tubing Work
BSEE investigates a well-control and pollution event at West Delta 80 D during coiled tubing work. The report examines tubing-to-casing communication, probable corrosion-related alignment pin plug failure, delayed remediation and reporting, and inadequate fluid-handling capacity. An estimated 107 gallons of hydrocarbons spilled; all 19 personnel evacuated without injury.
- Undated
Oil Sheen During Cold Treatment of Production
Investigates an oil sheen from Main Pass 299 FP platform during cold treatment of Chevron production. The report attributes probable oil carry-through to inadequate retention time and identifies production above the established limit. It documents differing spill estimates, response mobilisation and stand-down, and proposed communication and monitoring improvements.
- Undated
Oil Discharge Through Produced-Water Outlet During Emulsion-Breaker Trial
BSEE investigates pollution at Na Kika during an emulsion-breaker trial. Foaming disrupted separation and level readings, allowing oil discharge through the submerged produced-water outlet. Estimates put the release at approximately 89 barrels of oil and grease. Findings address inadequate training and delayed detection; reverting to the original chemical ended the sheening.
- Undated
Synthetic-Base Mud Spill During Fluid Transfer
Investigation of a synthetic-base mud spill at Shell’s AC 857 reports an estimated 144 barrels released. Findings examine discharge-valve alignment, incomplete job safety analysis, lockout/tagout review and incorrect sheen-test sampling locations. The report records conflicting witness dates, revised fluid-transfer procedures, a planned additional valve and pollution-reporting deficiencies.
- Undated
Synthetic-Based Mud Discharge During Liner Cementing
An investigation examines an offshore discharge during liner cementing. Misreading an isolation-ball pressure increase led to early termination of cement displacement and circulation of cement to surface. Deliberate disposal of contaminated fluid released approximately 204 barrels of synthetic-based mud. Recommendations address contingency arrangements and clarification of interface discharge limits and reporting.
- Undated
Drillship Excursion During Drilling Prompts Emergency Disconnection and Mud Release
BSEE investigates a weather-driven excursion of the Deepwater Poseidon drillship during drilling in Mississippi Canyon Block 391. The report describes emergency disconnection, synthetic-based mud release and ROV verification of well security. It also documents a falling drill-pipe and bearing assembly, recovery operations and failures to disclose the resulting damage.
- Undated
Synthetic-Based Mud Spilled Following Premature Pump Relief Valve Opening
A drilling mud pump’s faulty relief valve opened prematurely, overwhelming a 15-barrel tank. Approximately nine barrels of synthetic-based mud spilled, including six barrels overboard. The investigation identified inadequate containment capacity and absent pre-service pressure testing. Corrective actions included a tested replacement valve, larger discharge tank and level alarm.
- Undated
Synthetic-Based Mud Discharge from Trip Tank During Casing Operations
Investigation of a synthetic-based mud discharge during casing operations. A leaking packing seal allowed an air-operated diverter valve to open, releasing approximately 19 barrels from the trip tank. Findings address absent preventive maintenance and idle-valve monitoring, with subsequent valve replacement scheduling, evaluation of an alert system and revised pollution notification procedures.
- Undated
Drift-Off and Emergency Disconnection During Well Completion
This investigation examines the Discoverer Spirit’s drift-off during well completion operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Rapid changes in thunderstorm winds exceeded the thrusters’ ability to maintain position, prompting emergency disconnection. Subsequent investigation confirmed a release of 938 barrels of zinc bromide/calcium bromide fluid. An ROV surveyed the well’s security.
- Undated
Oil Spill from Worn Centrifugal Pump Housing
Investigation of an oil spill from SP 67 A platform on 6 May 2005. Produced sand wore through a centrifugal pump housing and blocked deck drains, allowing oil to escape overboard. The report records revised spill estimates, platform shut-in, ultrasonic testing and proposed monitoring of sand production using a shake-out flask.
- Undated
Hydrocarbon Discharge During Produced-Water Treatment at Thunder Horse
BSEE investigates a produced-water pollution event at Thunder Horse, involving an estimated five barrels of hydrocarbons discharged into the Gulf of Mexico. Excess clarifier impaired oil–water separation after an injection quill was left open. A failed level-control valve prevented switching to the alternative float cell, prolonging the discharge.
- Undated
Oil Release from Shut-In Subsea Well
BSEE investigates an oil release from Shell’s shut-in subsea VA007 well at Mississippi Canyon 940. ROV diagnostics and valve closures stopped the leak; subsequent e-line work identified parted production tubing at a coupling. The spill was estimated at seven barrels over several days. The reason for tubing failure remained unknown.
- Undated
Synthetic-Base Mud Discharge During Cement-Unit Mixing Equipment Testing
Investigation of a Gulf of Mexico release during cement-unit mixing equipment testing. Open measuring-tank valves allowed synthetic-base mud to mix with drill water discharged overboard. Four barrels of mud contained 2.12 barrels of base oil. The report records valve lockout, job safety analysis and sequential-operation requirements introduced by the cement company.
- Undated
Oil Pollution from Produced-Water Discharge Following Production Shutdowns and Restarts
BSEE investigates oil pollution from Thunder Hawk’s produced-water discharge following repeated production shutdowns and restarts. The report examines chemical dosing, separation and potentially inaccurate level sensing. It identifies inadequate management of change as the probable cause and discusses start-up sequencing, continued operation during pollution and reporting shortcomings.
- Undated
Oil and Water Emulsion Discharge Following Flotation-Cell Upset
Investigation of an oil/water emulsion discharge at SP 60 F in the Gulf of Mexico. Excessive chemical emulsion in low-pressure separators caused foaming and a flotation-cell upset, affecting level controls and shutdowns. The report records platform isolation, pollution notification and removal of emulsions before production resumed.
- Undated
Zinc Bromide Brine Discharge During Casing and Blowout Preventer Refilling
Investigation of a zinc bromide brine discharge during refilling of production casing and a blowout preventer on Enterprise 264. Investigators used interviews, written statements and recorded pit volumes to revise the loss estimate to approximately 79 barrels. The report identifies incomplete casing valve closure and limited visibility during pumping.
- Undated
Subsea Hydrocarbon Leak at Thunderhorse
BSEE investigates a subsea hydrocarbon leak at Thunderhorse, with an estimated release of nine barrels. ROV inspection and control-line troubleshooting identified a probable SCSSV rod piston seal failure. The report examines the pressure-trend leak detection system’s inability to detect the relatively small discharge and recommends considering policy addressing recurring seal failures.
- Undated
Hydrocarbons Discharged Through Produced Water System During Well Restart
BSEE investigated a Thunder Horse pollution event during restart of the long-shut-in S5 well. Float-cell capacity was exceeded during ramp-up, and an estimated four barrels of hydrocarbons entered the Gulf of Mexico through produced-water discharge over four days. Sampling supported the estimate; BP planned a slower initial liquid-rate ramp-up.
- Undated
Hydrocarbon Pipeline Leak Identified After Sheen Appeared
BSEE investigates a hydrocarbon pipeline leak identified after a sheen appeared in the Main Pass area. The operator estimated the sheen volume at 1.23 barrels. Isolation, pressure reduction, clamp installation and hydrotesting are documented. The report attributes the leak to erosion and inadequate equipment maintenance.
- Undated
Oil Discharge During Subsea Pipeline Modification
BSEE investigates a subsea pipeline modification incident in Main Pass that discharged an estimated 90 barrels of oil over three days. Cutting released unexpected stored energy, damaging temporary bypass piping. The report examines hazard awareness, deficient communication with a contributing platform, shutdown response and spill containment.
- Undated
Subsea Mono Ethylene Glycol Release from Umbilical Circuit
BSEE investigated a subsea mono ethylene glycol release from Na Kika’s EA2 umbilical circuit during 11–15 July 2018. Leaking automatic operated and shutdown valves caused an estimated loss of 17,098 gallons. The report examines delayed detection, pressure alarm behaviour, notification failures and BP’s corrective actions for isolation and monitoring.
- Undated
Oil Discharge Through Platform Produced-Water System
BSEE investigates an estimated three-barrel oil discharge through Thunder Horse’s produced-water system on 13 July 2020. The report links water-quality problems to inadequate flushing of subsea well workover fluids, discusses possible emulsion and foaming, examines delayed pollution notifications, and records corrective communication training and recommendations for agency coordination.
- Undated
Platform Fire After Pump Isolation Valve Released Oil onto Hot Exhaust
BSEE investigates a fire on the MC 547 A platform after a cracked pump isolation valve released oil onto hot engine exhaust. Findings identify inadequate support and fatigue damage. The report examines automatic shutdown, firefighting and muster, alongside evidence of unquantified pollution despite the operator’s initial denial. No injuries occurred.
- Undated
Oil and Gas Release After Threaded Ball Valve Separation
Investigation of an oil and gas release at an unmanned Gulf of Mexico platform after a threaded ball valve separated. The report examines mismatched pressure ratings, a coupon extractor becoming a projectile, deficiencies in job safety analysis and management of change, installation instructions, and failure to report the pollution incident.
- Undated
Oil Leak from Well at Submerged Platform
Investigation of oil pollution from Well C-007 at the submerged Grand Isle 47C platform, destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The report identifies a leaking casing valve, traces recurring releases and describes ROV source identification, continuous vessel recovery, spill notifications, collection-dome construction and contingency planning for a relief well.
- Undated
Synthetic-Base Mud Discharge During Circulation Before Storm Packer Setting
An investigation records a 62-barrel synthetic-base mud discharge during circulation before setting a storm packer. An inadvertently closed flowline caused overflow, while a previously opened shunt valve provided an overboard route. Reported changes included restricted valve authorisation, permit sign-off, a blind flange and rerouting the pollution-pan drain to skimmer tanks.
- Undated
Pipeline Leak Released Hydrocarbons at Offshore Platform
BSEE investigated a pipeline leak at Grand Isle 76-A releasing an estimated 8.35 barrels of hydrocarbons. The report examines inadequate high-pressure trip and safety-valve settings as possible contributing causes, unauthorised conversion to bulk oil service, spill reporting and monitoring, and diver-observed pressure testing of a split-sleeve repair.
- Undated
Condensate Released into Gulf Waters from Production Platform
This investigation examines condensate pollution from a production platform into Gulf waters. Sand accumulated in process vessels, causing condensate carryover, while the operation was not monitored. The release was estimated at 2.7 barrels. The report records revised pollution notifications, an operator shut-in and inspectors’ observations of a rainbow slick.
- Undated
Oil Discharged from Unmanned Production Platform
BSEE investigates an oil discharge from the unmanned WD 32 E production platform. A stuck transfer-pump valve allowed oil to accumulate in the flotation cell, while incorrectly located shutdown devices failed to detect the high oil level. The report records pollution notifications, enforcement findings and subsequent relocation and testing of the high-level shutdown device.
- Undated
Choke-Line Disconnection Releases Oil-Based Mud Overboard During Flushing
An investigation records a choke-line disconnection during mud flushing on Development Driller II. An incorrectly installed gooseneck connection parted despite repeated pressure tests, releasing a calculated 97 barrels of synthetic oil-based mud overboard. Systems were secured, the gooseneck replaced and a safety line fitted to prevent further overboard discharge.
- Undated
Condensate Release During Plug and Abandonment and Salvage Operations
Investigation of a condensate pollution event during plug and abandonment and salvage operations at Grand Isle Block 47. The report attributes the release to wellhead mechanical failure, rather than the initially reported impact. It records containment attempts, wellhead installation and testing, subsequent annulus leakage, and differing spill-volume estimates.
- Undated
Synthetic-Based Mud Release During Drilling
An investigation examines a synthetic-based mud release of approximately 14 barrels during drilling on Ensco 8500 at Keathley Canyon Block 875. Analysis identified wiper-seal failure and probable packer debonding. Energising the secondary packer stopped further discharge; no visible sheen or recoverable quantity was reported. The first-page incident details conflict with the narrative.
- Undated
Synthetic-Based Mud Leaked from Boost Line During Drilling
BSEE investigates a synthetic-based mud leak during drilling by Deepwater Nautilus on 18 December 2011. Approximately 319 barrels were calculated lost. ROV inspection located the boost-line leak, which isolation stopped. Analysis identified pin-surface scratches as the most likely cause of the primary leak; the district made no recommendations to the Agency.
- Undated
Oil Entered Spar Moon Pool Centre Well
An investigation into pollution at the Mad Dog spar records approximately 50 barrels of oil entering the moon pool centre well. A faulty check valve and deficient sump design were identified. The report describes oil removal, valve repair and isolation, fire preparedness, and proposed control-system and discharge-piping modifications.
- Undated
CO2 Venting Guidance
Guidance explains the inclusion of upstream carbon dioxide removal and venting in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for installations already qualifying through combustion. It covers calculation, fallback and measurement methodologies, emission-factor sampling, uncertainty requirements, permit variations through METS, monitoring-plan updates and reporting obligations, including treatment of unlit flares.
- Undated
Guidance on the Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2011
Guidance for offshore hydrocarbon operators explains controls on ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, heat pumps and fire-protection systems. It covers use restrictions and exemptions, leakage detection and repair, substance recovery, personnel qualifications, recordkeeping and release reporting, with optional templates, emissions calculations and an inspection checklist.
- Undated
Integrated Reporting Service (IRS) Guidance
Guidance explains environmental incident and non-compliance reporting through the Integrated Reporting Service for offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes notice types, reporting thresholds, submission deadlines, telephone notifications and ongoing updates. Coverage includes oil and chemical releases, material lost at sea, consent breaches, combustion emissions and fluorinated gases.
- Undated
OPPC Guidance Notes
Revised guidance explains offshore oil discharge permitting, distinguishing authorised discharges from prohibited releases. It covers applications, discharge limits, sampling and analysis, reporting, variations and transfers. Detailed appendices address produced water, drainage, contaminated cuttings, well-operation fluids, sand and scale, alongside exemptions and interfaces with merchant-shipping pollution requirements.
- Undated
PON1 Guidance - Consultation Supporting Document - Summary of Key Contents and Changes
Consultation support summarising changes to OPRED’s PON1 guidance for oil and offshore chemical emissions. It explains notification responsibilities, ongoing releases, withdrawn reporting categories and permit non-compliance reporting. Clarifications distinguish releases from discharges and address drainage systems, subsea chemicals, produced-water caissons, vessels and non-production installations.