DOS CUADRAS

• Latitude: 34.3336
• Longitude: -119.632
• US West Coast
• Offshore Terminal in US

Location: US

Dos Cuadras Offshore Terminal (DCOT) Overview

The Dos Cuadras Offshore Terminal (DCOT) is an oil and gas production facility located off the coast of California in the Santa Barbara Channel. The name "Dos Cuadras" translates to "Two Blocks" in Spanish, reflecting its division into distinct areas or platforms.

Location:

• The terminal is situated in the Santa Barbara Channel, approximately 5 miles offshore from Carpinteria, California.
• Coordinates: Roughly 34°N latitude and 119°W longitude.

Infrastructure:

1. Platforms:

   • The field comprises several offshore platforms, each with a unique designation (e.g., Platform A, B, C, and Hillhouse, among others). These platforms house the necessary equipment for drilling, production, and processing.

2. Production:

   • The platforms are primarily involved in the extraction of crude oil and natural gas.

3. Pipeline Systems:

   • A series of pipelines transport the extracted oil and gas from the offshore platforms to onshore processing facilities.
   • There are both intra-field pipelines (connecting platforms) and export pipelines (leading to processing plants and refineries).

4. Safety and Environmental Protection:

   • The terminal is equipped with modern safety devices, including blowout preventers (BOPs), fire suppression systems, and emergency shutdown systems.
   • Comprehensive environmental protection measures are in place to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem, including monitoring systems for detecting spills and leaks.

5. Support Infrastructure:

   • Support vessels and helicopters provide transportation for personnel, equipment, and supplies between the shore and the platforms.
   • Onshore facilities include storage tanks, processing units, and administrative buildings.

Regulatory Oversight:

• The operations at DCOT are regulated by various federal and state agencies to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
  • Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • California State Lands Commission (CSLC)

Production Capacity:

• The capacity of the field can vary based on factors such as the number of active wells, the production rate, and the efficiency of the extraction techniques being utilized.
• Historical data indicates periods of significant production, although specific current numbers would require accessing recent operational reports or company disclosures.

Economic Importance:

• The Dos Cuadras Offshore Terminal plays a vital role in local and regional energy supply.
• It also contributes to the economy by providing jobs, generating tax revenue, and supporting ancillary industries (e.g., maritime services, engineering, and environmental monitoring).

Historical Context:

• The field began development in the late 1960s.
• Notable incident: In 1969, there was a significant oil spill from one of the platforms (Platform A), which had a substantial impact on environmental regulations and policies related to offshore drilling in subsequent years.

By maintaining a balance between efficient hydrocarbon production and stringent safety and environmental practices, the Dos Cuadras Offshore Terminal remains a critical component of the region's energy infrastructure.