Oil Industry Faces First Post-Katrina Test
Save Email Print
Oil Industry Faces First Post-Katrina Test
The petroleum industry invested vast amounts of time and money since 2005 preparing for the next big blow, and it may be on the way.
Font Size:

(August 29, 2008)--The petroleum industry spent vast amounts of time and money since the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005 trying to make sure it's better prepared for the next big blow and it may be on the way in the form of Hurricane Gustav.

Since 2005, the industry has put in stronger moorings for offshore production platforms, deeper pipelines, increased supplies of backup electricity, water and other supplies.

Gustav. appears to be headed for the northern Gulf of Mexico, home to a complex web of platforms, pipelines and refineries in a region that produces roughly 25 percent of the nation's oil and 15 percent of its natural gas.

Projections show Gustav arriving early next week as a Category 3 storm, striking anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to Southeast Texas.

After Katrina and Rita in 2005, the industry realized simply repairing damaged rigs wasn’t enough, so the companies that own the platforms, drill the wells and manage the pipelines spent hundreds of millions of dollars to improve and strengthen their operations.

Expanded Forecast Center Storm Resources

Situation Reports From Governor’s Office Of Emergency Managment

Take Advantage Of Our Hurricane Tracker. Download News Central Desktop Alert

National Hurricane Center Web Site

National Weather Service Web Site

Latest Comments

Posted by: Chris D Location: Chaulk Bluff on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:39 AM

Well, that's great they spent all that money safeguarding their platforms. They are just gonna pass the maintenance costs on to the consumer anyway. I wonder how much those repairs are cost us per gallon?
[ Report Abuse ]
More Stories
Video
13 Confirmed Dead, 30 Injured In Ft. Hood Shooting
304 Comments
Local Woman Claimed She Had Cancer To Get Money For Breast Implants
128 Comments
Community Rallies In Support Of Animal Shelter After Deadly Fire
70 Comments
Apartment Complex Where Suspected Gunman Lived Evacuated
62 Comments
Jury Acquits Local Paramedic Accused Of Fondling Female Patient
59 Comments
Central Texas Boy Suffers Head, Face, Eye Injuries In Dog Attack
57 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video