DMP is assisting police to identify how a Kimberley gas well was damaged.
| Date: | Monday, 29 December 2014 |
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The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) is assisting WA Police in Broome with their investigations to identify the individual or individuals who may have damaged Buru Energy’s Yulleroo 2 gas well.
DMP Executive Director Petroleum Jeff Haworth said Dangerous Goods inspectors travelled to the Yulleroo 2 well on Wednesday 7 January following allegations of a serious gas leak at the site.
“DMP’s preliminary investigation identified unauthorised access to the site and deliberate damage to the valve on the well head,” Mr Haworth said.
“No gas readings were detected on the site initially, however certified gas detectors registered meter readings when the broken valve was manipulated to cause the gas to leak.”
The gas levels detected are below the Lower Explosive Limit for methane.
“It is extremely dangerous to take electrical equipment that is not properly certified, such as the gas meter in the video, into a hazardous location,” Mr Haworth explained.
“It could have endangered the lives of those within the compound had the gas levels been as high as claimed.”
