ROV video confirms Gulf of Mexico oil seep

The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said video from a remotely operated vehicle survey confirmed the source of an oil seep sighted in the Gulf of Mexico last week is from a natural seabed seep as previously suspected.

Paula Dittrick

April 17, 2012

“A modest amount of oil is being released,” BSEE said on Apr. 16. Industry reports natural seeps are common in the gulf.

Royal Dutch Shell PLC provided the video for the investigation of a light sheen spotted off Louisiana on Apr. 11. At one point, the sheen was estimated to be about 10 miles long although it has largely dissipated.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick

Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.