Allegations of Environmental and Workplace Safety Violations on Offshore Facility Unsubstantiated

OIG initiated this investigation after receiving allegations that the operator of a platform vessel in the Gulf of Mexico bypassed the platform’s water filtration system and manipulated water samples prior to laboratory testing, in violation of safety and pollution standards. During the investigation, it was also reported to us that elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels may have contributed to a fatality aboard the platform in 2012.

 

We did not substantiate that the operator violated any criminal laws, and instead found that Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) inspectors issued the operator multiple Incidents of Noncompliance for regulatory violations, which the operator had addressed.

 

Regarding the 2012 fatality, we confirmed that the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office, Harvey, Louisiana, found no evidence that CO caused or was related to the reported fatality. We also learned that coordination between BSEE and the U.S. Coast Guard regarding offshore fatalities was not clear in 2012, but while our investigations was ongoing, BSEE and the Coast Guard issued a Memorandum of Agreement to clarify their roles and responsibilities regarding offshore fatalities and incidents that affect operational safety or the environment.

 

This is a summary of a report of investigation that we provided to the Director of BSEE.