Unocal reports sheen near Ranggas 6 location in Makassar Straits

Unocal Corporation said Wednesday its Unocal Indonesia Company subsidiary had mobilized resources to address a thin hydrocarbon sheen near a deepwater well site off the coast of East Kalimantan.

A survey by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) shows hydrocarbon seepage from the plugged casing of the Ranggas 6 well, approximately 46 miles (75 kilometers) offshore in the Makassar Straits.

Unocal said the sheen was first observed Sept 5 and had varied in size from day to day depending on weather and wind conditions.

The company said it had reported the incident to the Indonesia Directorate General of Oil and Gas and State Implementing Body for Upstream Oil and Gas Activities (BP-Migas).

Unocal had also activated its Emergency Response Team consisting of highly skilled individuals and managers to monitor and resolve the situation.

According to Unocal, there have been no reports of hydrocarbons impacting the shoreline.

?The sheen is not expected to have any impact on human health. All potential impacts are being assessed and monitored closely,? said Unocal in a statement. (robert)