As of 23 September, MMS had received reports indicating 29 platforms with extensive damage, which may take from three to six months to repair. Examples of damage that would be considered extensive could include underwater structural damage or major damage to pipelines carrying the oil or natural gas to shore.
Additional reports show that 33 platforms received moderate damage taking one to three months before production can be restored. Damage that would be considered moderate may include major topside damage to critical process equipment such as the platform’s compressor or damaged risers or flex joints where pipelines connect to the platforms.
In respect to drilling rigs damaged, MMS has confirmed a report of one jackup drilling rig with extensive damage.
To date, MMS has received reports of six gas transmission pipeline systems with damage. Analysis of the impact that this damage may have on resuming production is under way. Operators have begun to test and inspect other pipeline systems to evaluate the full extent of any damage. Considering the large impacted area, this will take some time to complete the inspections.
Visual inspections are being conducted as reports are received. There was one report of a release totalling 200brl of oil during the hurricane but, upon investigation, no sheen was observed. It is expected that the oil dissipated through the course of the hurricane. MMS will compile and release sheen reports upon completion of the reporting and confirmation process. There have been no reports of oil impacting the shoreline or affecting birds and wildlife from releases in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters.