U.S. Cites Safety Lapses After Black Elk Gulf of Mexico Fire
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Federal regulators ordered Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC to improve its safety procedures after a fatal Nov. 16 explosion and fire on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said it sent a letter today to Black Elk alleging the Houston-based company has “repeatedly failed to operate in a manner that is consistent with federal regulations,” according to a statement. The bureau said the closely held company could lose its privilege to operate in the U.S. outer continental shelf if it does not “demonstrate improved performance.”