Husky Energy's SeaRose operation still on hold, as oil spill investigation continues

Nearly two months after the largest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador's history, production at Husky Energy's SeaRoseFPSO remainson hold, while the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board continues its investigation.

According to the latest report from the offshore regulator, released Monday, the C-NLOPB is still reviewing Husky's plan for plugging the flowline, and recovering the failed connector.

Back-to-backspills sent an estimated 250,000 litres of oil, water, and gas into the Atlantic on Nov. 16, 2018.

The incident happened asthe company attempted to restart production as an intense winter storm subsided.

Waves that day were recorded at 8.4 metres, and aflowline connector failed near the South White Rose Extension drill centre, about 350 kilometres east of St. John's.

The company drew criticism from politicians and the C-NLOPB for staying silent for days after the spill, andthe incident raised questions about why Husky would try and restart production in bad weather, and why the offshore board, as regulator, isn't the one to make the call.

• After massive oil spill, spotlight shifts to agency regulating N.L. offshore industry

Husky has since apologized for the incident, saying the company will revise its adverse weather policies, and put measures in place to make sure it doesn't happen again.

It's not clear how much the continued shutdown of the SeaRose is costing the provincein deferred revenue.

Meanwhile, theC-NLOPB needs to approve Husky's plan before production can restart.

The board says shutdown maintenance activities are still ongoing, and vessel, satellite, and ROV inspections continue as well.

Husky Energy is set to meet with the C-NLOPB later this week.

In an email, CBC asked the C-NLOPB for more details,including specifically when the meeting with Husky would take place, and how long after that meeting would it take to make a decision, but no other information was provided.

"I am unable to say at this time when a plan will be approved," wrote a communications spokesperson for the C-NLOPB.

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