BP oil spill update: Static kill option, more testing underway and possible leaks in the well
Admiral Thad Allen announced that BP has an additional 24 hours to complete testing on the capped oil well while officials consider using a static kill option to hopefully kill the well permanently.
Recent pressure tests on the well have not returned the numbers hoped for and experts are checking to see if there are leaks in the well. An anonymous source reported to the Associated Press on Sunday that there was seepage from the well, raising fears that the oil could be coming up through the ocean floor. While the tests continue, however, BP is moving forward with a plan to permanently kill the well by pumping mud through it in what is referred to as the ‘static kill option.’
Today marks the 92nd day since the fatal Deepwater Horizon explosion that occurred on April 20, 2010. Though there are many concerns that the well is leaking, the cap has held on. Some fear, however, that if the static kill option is used, and the cap remains securely fixed, the pressure could build so great that the well becomes further damaged.
Scientists had hoped that pressure readings would be at approximately 8,000 per square inch. This would indicate that the well was holding pressure steadily without leaking. The well is increasing pressure at a slower rate than was anticipated and is currently at 6,800 psi, much lower than what was hoped.
Though BP admits that there was seepage, they are not saying that there are definite leaks in the well. The relief wells are nearly completed and are expected to be ready by the middle of August. It is expected that the relief wells will completely kill the well permanently.
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