The interestingly named Mica Oil Field (jointly owned and named by BP and Exxon) is about 15 miles northeast of the Deep Water Horizon explosion site, and at 4300 feet it is proof positive that deep is dangerous.
While Exxon and BP were laying the pipe that would connect the Mica rig to land, they discovered the ruins of a 19th Century shipwreck. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, which reviews nearly 1,700 planned wells and pipelines every year for their potential effect on archaeological sites on the Outer Continental Shelf, reported that the 200 year old shipwreck (located just 30 miles from the mouth of the Mississippi River) is in 2600 feet of water.
“Because the site had significant historic value, the Minerals Management Service formulated four options for the protection of the site: (1) Lifting and re-routing the pipeline around the wreck to prevent further damage to the site; (2) Constructing a sandbag bridge over the wreck; (3) Cutting and re-routing the pipeline around the wreck; (4) Leaving the pipeline in place, and conducting a limited data recovery program for an archaeological study of the site.”
As you can see, NOT DRILLING was not an option offered. Ultimately, they chose the cheapest, easiest but most damaging option – simple data collection. Why? Well, as the report clearly states, the depth of the wreck provided such, “engineering difficulties” that only, “feasible option” is data recovery. Meaning, we can’t get down that deep to excavate so let’s just take pictures.
Begging one question, if we can’t safely dig at 2600 feet…how can we drill at 4300 feet?
AFSCME Endorsement
Thank you to the 1.6 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for their endorsement! I will work hard to serve you in Congress with the same integrity and dedication that you bring to your careers in public service.
Sincerely,
HEATHER BEAVEN
Democratic Candidate for Congress
Florida's 7th District
ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN
Heather is a Mom, Wife, Navy Veteran and CEO of a 501(c)3 non-profit that focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility.
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