China orders offshore oil risks review after spill

[July 08, 2011]  SHANGHAI (AP) -- China's ocean administration has ordered oil companies operating offshore wells to assess risks of accidents following two spills off its east coast in a field operated by American energy giant ConocoPhillips.

The State Oceanic Administration on Friday said offshore oil producers must thoroughly investigate any risks, review their emergency planning and also reassess environmental impact from their operations.

ConocoPhillips has defended its response to the spills in China's Bohai Bay against criticism from environmentalists and the media over the impact of the spills and delays in notifying the public.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.