Third attempt to cap leaking Timor Sea oil well fails

AAP, Brisbane Times 17 Oct 09;

A third attempt to plug a well that has been leaking oil for more than eight weeks into the Timor Sea off Australia's northwest coastline has failed.

The leak at PTTEP Australasia's Montara well-head platform, more than 200km off the Kimberley coast, began on August 21.

A spokeswoman for the Thai-based firm said a third attempt to plug the well with mud failed on Saturday.

Experts on board the West Triton drilling rig will now assess when the next attempt can be made.

The well casing being targeted is 25 centimetres in diameter and data gathered during the three previous attempts will be used to fine-tune the next effort.

"Setting up for each pass sequence takes between three and four days," the PTTEP spokeswoman said in a statement.

"Implementing the pass sequence must then be undertaken during daylight hours for safety reasons.

"Once the leaking well is successfully intercepted, heavy mud will be pumped from the West Triton down into the relief well, displacing the oil, gas and water and stopping the flow."

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett on October 15 announced that a deal had been struck with PTTEP for it to pay for environmental monitoring in the Timor Sea for at least two years.

PTTEP has appointed Australian environmental scientist John Wardrop to manage the immediate and long-term monitoring programs.

The immediate impact on wildlife from the oil spill is unknown.

Third attempt to plug Australia oil leak fails
AFP Google News 17 Oct 09;

SYDNEY — A Thai-based oil company on Saturday failed in its third attempt to plug a leaking rig that has spilled thousands of barrels of crude into seas off Australia, alarming environmentalists.

PTTEP Australasia said it had missed its target for a relief well some 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) below the seabed for the third time this month, and would try again in the coming days.

The leaking wellhead, some 25 centimetres (10 inches) wide, has been gushing off Australia's northwest since August 21 with estimates putting the discharge at 400 barrels a day.

"Setting up for each pass sequence takes between three and four days," PTTEP said in a statement.

"Implementing the pass sequence must then be undertaken during daylight hours for safety reasons.

"Once the leaking well is successfully intercepted, heavy mud will be pumped from the West Triton down into the relief well, displacing the oil, gas and water and stopping the flow."

The spill is reportedly Australia's worst since offshore drilling began more than 40 years ago, and ecologists fear the toxic cocktail of oil and dispersant chemicals could threaten marine and coastal species.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett, ex-frontman of rock band Midnight Oil, this week said PTTEP had agreed to pay for environmental monitoring of the area for at least two years.