Gulf platform damage is still being assessed

‘We have a long way to go’ on tallies

It’s unlikely that the full extent of damage to oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico will be known, let alone repaired, before the start of next hurricane season.

Earlier this month, fewer than half of the 3,050 platforms that were in the paths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had been fully evaluated for damage, said Don Howard, regional supervisor for field operations for the Minerals Management Service.

“We have a long way to go and a very short time to get the work done,” Howard said.

When platforms are subjected to hurricane-force winds, the Minerals Management Service requires companies to self-inspect their properties above and below water.

While it’s relatively simple to assess topside damage to the facilities, each platform must be inspected underwater. Right now, there are not enough dive crews, boats or equipment to get those inspections done, Howard said.

New Orleans Times-Picayune