Oil Spill During Hurricane Lili, Ship Shoal Block 119
Responses, Fate, and Effects

OCS Study MMS 2003-039

The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study report, Oil Spill During Hurricane Lili, Ship Shoal Block 119:  Responses, Fate, and Effects.

This descriptive report records the oil spill that occurred as the result of Hurricane Lili in October 2002 some 18 miles off the coast of Louisiana in Ship Shoal Block 119.  The report describes the hurricane, the fate and transport of the spill, and the response efforts.

Spilled oil resulting from hurricane damage to offshore structures was minimized because of platform construction standards and production safety system requirements.  One spill of an estimated 350 bbl did occur.  Murphy mounted an appropriate response. Approximately 145 bbl of oil was recovered and 205 bbl of oil dissipated.

No shoreline or wildlife impacts were reported.  No birds were fouled.  The oil was removed from the surface of the water by natural weathering processes including evaporation, dissolution in the water, adsorption to particulate material, and biodegradation.  Although no specific data are available, this material probably had negligible concentrations of aromatic compounds and therefore low aquatic toxicity. The report concluded that remains of the spill that are associated with particulate matter could be degraded by microbes over time or, if sedimentation rates are high, could be buried by new sediments.  Lessons learned from this hurricane as well as others are included in the planning process for future events.

This report is available only in compact disc format.  The disc is available from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00 by referencing OCS Study MMS 2003-039.  You will be able to obtain this report also from the National Technical Information Service in the near future.  Here are the addresses.  You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository Libraries.