China's SOA orders ConocoPhillips to develop spill compliance plan
Sept. 2, 2011
China’s State Oceanic Administration (SOA) ordered ConocoPhillips China to suspend production operations at Peng Lai 19-3 field in Bohai Bay while the oil company develops a compliance plan with its partner in the field, China National Offshore Oil Corp. The plan is to be submitted to SOA.
As operator, ConocoPhillips China led the spill response to two incidents that occurred on June 4 and June 17. The leaks released an estimated 700 bbl of oil into Bohai Bay and 2,500 bbl of mineral oil-based drilling mud onto the seabed (OGJ Online, July 13, 2011).
Peng Lai 19-3 field has operated at reduced rates since the June incidents. The field averaged production of 56,000 net b/d of crude in 2010. ConocoPhillips holds 49% interest in Peng Lai 19-3 field, which represents 3% of the company’s total annual production.
Activities that are related to depressurizing the field will continue in a safe and environmentally responsible way, ConocoPhillips said in a Sept. 2 news release.
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.