Total making progress at Elgin gas leak

Significant steps have been taken to stop the natural gas leak at the Elgin platform off the coast of Scotland, French energy company Total said. Total in March discovered a natural gas leak at its Elgin platform about 150 miles off the coast of Aberdeen. Natural gas is leaking from above the water's surface at a rate of around 2.1 million cubic feet per day. Total announced that it installed a "diverter" that will redirect leaking natural gas away from a wellhead to ensure safety during the well intervention operation. The British government announced it gave consent to Total to drill a relief well to control the leak. Engineers made only two trips to the platform this week because of inclement weather. They were able to set equipment for a well intervention along with installing the diverter during those visits, Total said. Scottish authorities conducted chemical and sediment testing from sites 2 miles from the Elgin platform and said they found no direct marine contamination from the natural gas leak, the company said. No natural gas is leaking directly into the water.