Shallow Drilling Hazards

Effective Date: 12/13/1972

U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Notice No. 002

December 13, 1972
 
 

OCS Operations Safety Alert
Shallow DrillingHazards

The recent blowouts in wells drilling at shallow depth in the South Pass Areaoff the Louisiana coast suggest that additional measures should be taken whiledrilling to assure the early detection of shallow hydrocarbons. The use of gasdetecting equipment for continuous monitoring of the hydrocarbon content of thereturning mud stream on all exploratory wells drilling on OCS leases in the Gulfof Mexico Area is recommended from the time conductor pipe is set until totaldepth is reached

It is recommended that all operators review 30 CFR 250.41 and OCS Order No. 2and caution drilling personnel as to proper procedures to be followed in case ofthreatened loss of well control at shallow depths.

[signed] J.B. Lowenhaupt

for Robert F. Evans Oil and Gas Supervisor