04 May 2012, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – Total E&P Nigeria Limited’s (TEPNG) teams continue to actively focus on the well control operations of the IBW 16 on the Ibewa gas field in Rivers State, Nigeria, which was affected during the incident of March 20.
The company disclosed in a statement that its technical personnel and equipment are fully mobilized on site and that operations are progressing according to the planned schedule.
The IBW 16 well was temporarily opened on 24th April 2012 to reduce the subsurface flow.
The IBW 16 well has now been shut in to allow the assembling of a snubbing unit. The snubbing operation consists of pumping heavy fluid into the well to stop the flow of reservoir fluids. Rig-up of the snubbing unit is in progress.
The company said that simultaneously, as a precautionary measure, relief wells are proceeding on 2 selected locations.
“We continue to monitor the safety perimeter:
– Surveillance by TEPNG’s teams on the ground and daily helicopter flights
– Dedicated monitoring wells have been drilled in the first 20 m depth of ground to check the behavior of the “surface” water (aquifer) around the impacted area (Piezometer wells).
– Daily analysis of air and water quality continue to be performed. No hydrocarbons or toxic compounds have been detected
– One water well in the resurgence area has been secured
TEPNG is in close cooperation with the authorities, providing regular updates on the situation.
TEPNG remains in contact with community representatives and is working closely with its stakeholders to continue providing assistance and identifying other needs, maintaining continuous proximity with the population on ground.”
