Joint Investigation into Deepwater Horizon explosion turns focus onto the BOP

NEW ORLEANS – The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Joint Investigation Team, which is examining the Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting oil spill, today announced that it will hold a seventh session of public hearings the week of April 4, 2011. The hearings, which will focus specifically on the forensic examination of the Deepwater Horizon blowout preventer (BOP), are scheduled to take place at the Holiday Inn Metairie, New Orleans Airport, 2261 North Causeway Blvd., Metairie, La.

BOEMRE and the Coast Guard have made the forensic examination report prepared by U.S. Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Columbus, the contractor that performed the examination, available to the parties-in-interest in the investigation, members of the Technical Working Group who witnessed the examination at NASA’s Michoud Facility in New Orleans, La., and the public. The full report is available online at: http://www.deepwaterinvestigation.com/go/doctype/3043/59279/.

The forensic examination is one aspect of the much broader comprehensive investigation into the causes of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, loss of life, casualty loss, and the subsequent oil spill. Over the course of its investigation, the JIT has heard testimony from more than 70 witnesses and examined a broad range of material including photographs, video, data, documents, and physical evidence. Although the full investigation report is not expected to be released until sometime this summer, a report on the BOP and other matters is scheduled to be issued within the next month.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up