PTTEP Australasia is acting to disperse the oil slick and bring the leak at the Montara development under control, following an incident on Aug. 21.
Offshore staff
BANGKOK -- PTTEP Australasia is acting to disperse the oil slick and bring the leak at the Montara development under control, following an incident on Aug. 21.
The company intends to drill a relief well that would intersect the existing well and stop oil and gas flow. The company has submitted the plan to the Government of Australia. The company is also consulting with international experts, the Australian Maritime Safely Authority (AMSA), and local authorities, and is studying other methods to solve the problem based on safety and environmental concerns.
PTTEP began oil dispersant operations by using a C-130 Hercules aircraft to spray a chemical substance on the oil slick. The company reports that after two flights, the oil slick was visibly reduced. The oil slick, which covers an area of 9.2 mi (14.8 km) x 30 m (98 ft), has not shown signs of expanding, the company says.
