Pollution from Diesel Fuel Tank Transfer
Effective Date: 2/13/1985
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 135
February 13, 1985
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Pollution from Diesel Fuel Tank Transfer
A pollution event occurred on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico when a 400-gallon diesel fuel tank was being transferred from a motor vessel to a production platform using the platform crane. When the tank was lifted off the vessel's deck, a 4- to 5-foot sea conditions caused the boat to strike the drain valve on the tank. The valve was broken off causing 9.5 barrels of diesel fuel to be discharged overboard. The tank was lifted to the platform deck and a new drain valve installed.
In order to prevent a recurrence of this type of pollution event, a metal protective guard has been installed around the valves of all diesel fuel tanks used by the operator.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Regional Supervisor
Rules and Production
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region