News / Total are foggy about Elgin gas impact
AN EXCLUSION zone has been put in place around the Elgin platform, 150 miles east of Aberdeen, as gas continues to escape from an unidentified leak.
Operator Total said on Tuesday it could take up to six months to drill a relief well to contain the leak, the likes of which is unprecedented in the offshore industry.
The company has so far made no comment on the potential implications for its £2.5 billion investment into the Laggan and Tormore gas fields, west of Shetland.
As part of that investment a £500 million gas plant is being built next to the Sullom Voe oil terminal, in Shetland.
Unions have warned that the gas leak, which started on Sunday, has the potential for “catastrophic devastation” should the cloud of gas surrounding the Elgin platform ignite.
The gas produced on the Elgin platform was described by scientists as “very flammable and quite poisonous”.
A Total statement on Tuesday said: “All necessary measures are being taken to respond appropriately to the situation and to minimize its impact.
“Investigations are ongoing to analyse the causes and to determine the remediation of the gas leak. Total is actively monitoring the situation with standby vessels in the area.
“A surveillance aircraft flown over the area has confirmed a sheen on the water in the vicinity of the platform. This sheen is related to drilling muds and/or light condensate associated to the gas representing a volume estimated today at about 30 m³.
“Preliminary assessments indicate no significant impact to the environment and dispersants are not considered necessary at this stage.”
Scottish environment minister Richard Lochhead said: “Efforts by Total to resolve the gas leak are ongoing. As the situation currently stands impact on the environment – which is the Scottish government’s area of responsibility – is minimal.”
All 238 personnel were evacuated off the Elgin platform. Oil company Shell has moved 120 non-essential staff from the nearby Shearwater platform and Hans Deul drilling rig.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
