The C-NLOPB is responding to a report of 5,000 litres of synthetic based mud (SBM) spilled from the GSF Grand Banks drilling rig on Tuesday,
September 20, 2011. The spill was reported to the C-NLOPB by the Operator, Husky Energy. The spill occurred while the Operator was conducting normal drilling
operations at the White Rose E-18 11 development well. Drilling was suspended and an investigation by Husky is being conducted. Canadian Coast Guard has been notified.
The C-NLOPB is following up with the Operator.
Synthetic based mud is a heavy, dense fluid used during drilling operations to lubricate the drill pipe and balance reservoir
pressure. Because of its weight, the mud sinks rapidly in the water column and rests on the sea floor. The synthetic base oil used in
SBM is a food-grade oil of extremely low toxicity. Because of this, effects of SBM spills typically are limited to within tens of meters
of a well site and are associated with physical smothering due to seabed coverage by the mud.
C-NLOPB Contact:
Sean Kelly M.A., APR, FCPRS
Manager of Public Relations
(709) 778-1418
(709) 689-0713 (cell)
skelly@cnlopb.nl.ca
Husky Contact:
Colleen McConnell
Senior Communications Advisor
(403) 298-7088