Houston, TX – (May 2017) – As a leader among well control regulators, HWCG LLC will bring together hundreds of well control experts and regulatory representatives for its annual source control drill in Houston, TX on May 9-10. Independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company, Stone Energy Corporation, will be the host of the drill.

The source control exercise integrates HWCG’s dynamic response capabilities, process and equipment to quickly and comprehensively respond to an offshore drilling blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Our members provide expertise and resources that collectively help achieve our ultimate goal of rapid intervention, response and containment,” said David Coatney, Managing Director of HWCG. “This drill demonstrates that we are truly ‘Ready to Respond’ and are committed to safe and responsible offshore drilling and prevention of a deepwater incident.”

HWCG leads its members and the industry by advocating for safe drilling practices and staying updated with the latest well control regulations. To demonstrate its commitment to safety, HWCG has invited regulatory agencies, including the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and United States Coast Guard, to participate in the exercise.

“While the drill provides one of the most effective training opportunities for the industry, we work all year long to improve our response system,” said Mike Noel, Commercial Director. “Our Deepwater Intervention Technical Committee is charged with prioritizing technological upgrades to our response system and plays a key role in advising our members.”

During this large-scale exercise, Stone Energy will act as the “Responsible Party” in a simulated well blowout scenario. HWCG’s Mutual Aid team, which includes experts from sixteen member companies, vendors and response partners, will assist Stone Energy in gaining well control. In the event of a real source control incident, the Mutual Aid repository becomes available to all HWCG members.