HOUMA, La. (AP) - Federal authorities say removing debris from the area around a gas well that blew wild last week is the latest step in permanently securing the well.
The drilling rig, owned by Hercules Offshore and operated under contract to Walter Gas & Oil, spewed gas July 23 that eventually ignited. Nobody was injured. The well eventually clogged with sand and debris, shutting off the gas flow and enabling workers to begin work toward permanently securing it.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said debris removal was to begin late Thursday, along with preliminary work for a relief well. The relief well will be drilled to intercept the original well bore so mud and cement can be pumped in. Relief well drilling is expected to take about 35 days.