One of the investors in the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling vessel that exploded in April 2010 causing the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has agreed to a multi-million settlement that will pay civil penalties and fund environment projects along the Texas coast.
MOEX Offshore 2007, LLC had a 10 percent working interest in the drilling vessel operated by BP when it exploded and sank.
The State of Texas’ $6.5 million settlement is part of a larger $90 million settlement agreement with MOEX, Gulf Coast states and the federal government.
“Texas’ coastal resources, marine life and local economies were impacted by this devastating oil spill, and today one of the Deepwater Horizon’s investors has come forward to take responsibility for one of the worst environmental disasters in American history,” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said in a statement today.
$3.25 million of the settlement will be used to fund two major projects approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Park and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
TPWD will acquire approximately 80 acres of “extremely high conservation and recreation value” property next to Goose Island State Park (GISP) near Rockport, Texas.
Known as the Big Tree Ranch in Aransas Country, because it is located next to the famous oak tree in the state park, this will help conserve one of Texas greatest “natural treasures, the endangered Whooping Crane, and would help protect the resources of the Texas coast for the benefit of future generations,” indicates the TPWD.
Attorney General Abbott says his office “is committed to protecting Texas’ coastal communities and ensuring the Gulf Coast revitalization efforts continue.”
Another $3.25 million in civil penalties paid by MOEX will be split between the General Revenue Fund and the Coastal Protection Fund, which is administered by the Texas General Land Office.
When purchased, the ranch would be transferred to TPWD to be operated and managed as part of the adjacent 330-acre Goose Island State Park.
The other preservation project is 645 acres of a wetland along the San Bernard River in lower Fort Bend County.
“Permanently protecting this land through the use of conservation easements will prevent pollution, enhance the quality of the environment, and may reduce the amount of pollutants reaching the environment,” a report issued by the Office of the Texas Attorney General states.
“The land is located within the Central Flyway on the .Upper Texas Coast; where approximately 10 million ducks and geese winter each year.”
“Conservation of habitat for migratory birds and other wetland dependent wildlife is critical for maintaining the rich diversity of bird life in this area. Wetlands also benefit people by recharging groundwater supplies, reducing coastal storm surges, retaining flood waters during storm events and improving water quality.”
"By protecting this land and preventing development, water quality, air quality and wildlife habitat will be protected."
The explosions and fires from the Maconda Well, about 50 miles from the Mississippi River delta in the Gulf of Mexico, killed 11 on board the Deepwater Horizon well.
Click SUBSCRIBE above to receive free email notifications when Jack posts another article. Twitter: Texasjackson
Comments