On or about Septemer 29, 1998, an oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in South Pass Block 38 as a result of a pipeline rupture. The spill volume, in conjunction with activities surrounding source identification, resulted in a decision by the Minerals Management Service to conduct an investigation of the incident. The investigation process is designed to be a fact-finding proceeding with no civil or criminal issues and no adverse parities ad with the ultimate purpose being to prepare a public report.