Joint Information Center Update on C.M. Thibodaux No. 2 Drilling Status; Unified Response Established

Business Wire, June 28, 1999

MORGAN CITY, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 1999--

Federal, state and local authorities are working together with representatives from The Meridian Resource Corporation to manage a natural gas well control situation that occurred this morning approximately two miles southeast of Amelia, La. in Assumption Parish.

The incident occurred at the Falcon Rig No. 16 which was completing the C.M. Thibodaux No. 2 well. No fire occurred and no injuries have been reported. The well is safely venting natural gas to the atmosphere.

Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and Meridian are setting up a Unified Command System on the scene to coordinate response efforts. Meridian representatives at the Unified Command Center at the Morgan City Marine Safety Office include experts from OOPS, SpillNet, Wild Well Control, and the Company. Wild Well Control has mobilized personnel and resources to bring the well under control. A firefighting barge is in place, providing a water screen to the gas plume to minimize any potential ignition.

A ten-mile safety zone on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is in place. The waterway will remain closed until the threat to commercial traffic can be fully assessed. A temporary flight restriction of three thousand feet up and five miles wide has been established over the scene. Also, as a preventative measure, approximately 30 people were evacuated earlier from nearby Avoca, Island.

Air sampling for flammable gases is being conducted continuously on-scene to ensure that a safe environment exists in the vicinity of the well. As a safety precaution, a three mile stretch of State Highway 182 between Gibson and Amelia has been temporarily blocked off to traffic.

Meridian is the operator of the Thibodaux No. 2 well and owns approximately 71% working interest. Additional interests in the well are held by Burlington Resources Inc. and private investors.