USCG monitoring natural gas release near Corpus Christi, Texas

The Coast Guard reports it is monitoring a natural gas and condensate release from an orphan well four nautical miles southeast of Bob Hall Pier near Corpus Christi, Texas, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi watchstanders were notified by a good Samaritan Monday of a potential offshore rig release. A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew were launched to investigate and confirmed a natural gas and condensate release with a sheen extending 300-yards by 100-yards.

Watchstanders notified the Railroad Commission of Texas, which identified the site as orphan well State Tract 818LWell #F1.

The Coast Guard is working with the Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to monitor and secure the release.

Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi personnel are issuing marine safety information broadcasts daily to keep mariners informed, conducting daily overflights to monitor and inspecting nearby beaches for any signs of impact.