Hibernia Management & Development Co. Ltd. (HMDC) is preparing to return Hibernia oil field to production following a July 17 oil slick observed by workers offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. The field was shut in July 17 (OGJ Online, July 19, 2019).
HMDC said a pipe from which the original discharge occurred contained a residual oil and water mixture resulting in 0.2 ml being released when valves were opened Aug. 9. HMCD said that was the volume of about 4 raindrops and that the oil dissipated naturally.
All possible measures were taken to prevent an additional discharge, with multiple spill response efforts in place to ensure any residual oil and water mixture from the pipe is captured, HMDC said.
Mitigation measures include vessels equipped with spill response equipment and spill detector radar on location.
HMDC has worked in collaboration with regulatory and response agencies, including the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB), independent Certifying Authority Lloyd’s Register, and Eastern Canada Response Corp. to prepare for a return to production. A date for returning the field to production will be determined during continued discussions with CNLOPB.
