Jupiter Cable Drill Break: Environmental Analysis Finds No Lasting Impact
During construction of the Jupiter transpacific subsea cable system, which connects Japan and the Philippines to the U.S. coast in California and Oregon, an incident occurred at the Oregon landing site in Tierra del Mar. On April 28, a horizontal directional drilling operation struck hard rock roughly 50 feet beneath the seafloor, causing the drill pipe to break. The result was a 6-inch diameter steel pipe and drilling mud left in place at depths of 50 to 70 feet below the seafloor. The pipe was originally intended to remain in place as the conduit housing the cable.
SubCom, Facebook's supplier for the project, conducted an initial assessment concluding that removing the materials was not immediately feasible and would likely cause more environmental disruption than leaving them undisturbed. Following that, ERM, an environmental consulting firm, performed an independent analysis that was peer-reviewed by Geosyntec. The investigation focused on the migration and toxicity potential of the remaining materials, their impact on water quality, ecological receptors, and public health, and whether large seismic events could mobilize or expose the drill mud or equipment.
The scope and approach of the investigation were discussed in advance with relevant agencies, including the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of State Lands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Tillamook County. The full report is available in the Jupiter Independent Analysis.
ERM’s findings indicate that no adverse environmental, scenic, recreational, or economic impacts currently result from the drill break and the presence of materials 50 to 70 feet deep. The report also states that no reasonably conceivable scenario such as an earthquake, tsunami, or long-term coastal erosion would expose the materials to the surrounding environment and cause future impacts.
Two recovery options were evaluated. Horizontal drill recovery was deemed nonviable because it would require locating the end of the 6-inch pipe approximately 520 feet offshore with an extremely low probability of success. Dredging from the seafloor was likewise rejected because the sediment excavation and related activities would produce extensive environmental damage. The report's recommended environmentally preferred alternative is to leave the remaining materials in place.
Construction Status and Environmental Oversight
Construction at Tierra del Mar began in February, employing horizontal directional drilling to minimize surface disruption at the cable landing point. This location is essential as the connection point between Japan and North America. Facebook acknowledged that while Tillamook County was notified within one week of the incident, other agencies could have been informed more quickly and communication will improve going forward.
The company stated its intention to work closely with all relevant government agencies, including the Oregon Department of State Lands, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Tillamook County, and to follow regulatory guidance. Post-construction site restoration will be handled by a local landscaping company using native plants such as Pacific wax myrtle and evergreen huckleberry, chosen for their wind tolerance, erosion control, and low maintenance requirements. The only visible infrastructure remaining will be a manhole.
Facebook highlighted its broader environmental commitments, including supporting its Oregon data center operations with 100 percent renewable energy. The company reports it is on track to meet a science-based target of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent compared to 2017 levels, having already achieved 86 percent renewable energy and a 59 percent reduction in emissions as of 2019.
