Rig for relief well being positioned at gas leak in Gulf of Mexico

Saturday, July 27, 2013

In this Wednesday, July 24, 2013 photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, abatement efforts underway near Hercules 265 Rig where fire has caused collapse of the drill floor and derrick following an explosion Tuesday night. An out-of-control natural gas well burned Wednesday off Louisiana hours after it ignited following a blowout, though authorities said there was no sign of a slick on the surface of the water. (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard) (AP Photo)

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gulf of mexico, gas leak, fire, national/world

NEW ORLEANS -- Federal authorities say a rig is being positioned to drill a relief well for a gas leak in the Gulf of Mexico, and a permit is in the final stages of review.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said Saturday that it's reviewing Walter Oil & Gas Corporation's permit to drill the relief well off the Louisiana coast.

The relief well could intercept the leaking well and seal it with drilling mud and cement.

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The leak is from a gas rig that blew wild Tuesday morning. Spewing gas ignited that night, burning the rig owned by Hercules Offshore Inc.

Authorities believe that sand and sediment clogged the well late Wednesday, shutting off the gas flow in what is referred to as a "bridge over."

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gulf of mexico, gas leak, fire, national/world