News Releases 2005

SBM spill at GSF Grand Banks

For Immediate Release
April 4, 2005

A spill of 4.02 cubic meters (26 barrels) of synthetic-based drilling mud (SBM) from the semi-submersible drilling rig, GSF Grand Banks, was reported to the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board just before 4 a.m. this morning April 4, 2005. The rig is currently drilling for Husky Energy on the White Rose field, some 300 kilometers east of St. John’s in the Newfoundland & Labrador offshore area.

The SBM was released at the ocean surface. SBM is a fluid used in the drilling process and made up of a variety of components primarily food-grade synthetic oil, water and barite.

Upon notification of the incident, the C-NOPB’s Chief Conservation Officer (CCO) confirmed drilling operations on the rig were suspended. Approval from the CCO is required before drilling operations can resume at the GSF Grand Banks.

The Board and the operator are reviewing the incident to confirm the cause of the SBM release and to identify possible mitigation measures to prevent a recurrence.

Media Contact:
Simone Keough APR
Manager, Communications
(709) 778-1418


News Releases 2005

DateUpdate
2005, Dec 22005 LAND SALE RESULTS
2005, Nov 18Public comment period extended for Orphan Basin environmental assessment review
2005, Oct 27Comments sought on the draft Comprehensive Study Report for a proposed exploratory drilling program in the Orphan Basin
2005, Sep 2Draft SEA for Offshore Western Newfoundland & Labrador
2005, Jun 21Jack-ups Rigs now permitted on the Grand Banks
2005, Jun 21Background for Jack-Up Rig Policy Announcement
2005, Apr 7Precautionary Plans for Offshore Demobilization
2005, Apr 4SBM spill at GSF Grand Banks
2005, Mar 162005 Call For Bids
2005, Jan 28Board renews Terra Nova POA for Three-year Term