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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

OSRR-355-Using Satellite Radar Imagery to Detect Leaking Abandoned Wells on the U.S. OCS

Office/Division Program
OSRR
Project Number
355
Category
Decommissioning
Remote Sensing
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Performing Activity
Advanced Resources International
Research Principal Investigator
John Amos
Research Contracting Agency
Minerals Management Service
Description

Use Satellite Radar Imagery to Detect if there are leaking abandoned wells. It will be tested in Phase I and an Optional phase 2 will check the Gulf of Mexico Region. Final report delivered March 14, 2001.

Latest progress update

Results for the test well were inconclusive, probably due to a lack of accurate data about the reported leak. Radar did detect other leaks in the area, suggesting that radar can be used to detect minor oil leaks and spills at sea.