Oil spill update: Well tests, containment cap, Thad Allen releases statement (oil spill photos)
As the oil spill catastrophe has finally shown signs of improvement, a new containment cap installed on the broken well shows promise. The well integrity tests continue and up to now, the new containment continues to hold.
Oil Spill Photos (slideshows, photos, pictures)
Admiral Thad Allen released a statement this morning saying that the well integrity tests will continue until 4:00 p.m. and may be extended for an additional 24-hours. As long as the well continues to hold increasing oil pressure without signs of leakage, there is a high possibility the leak will remain stopped until the two final relief wells are completed.
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Admiral Allen said that government officials have required ‘significant new monitoring and periodic evaluation’ to ensure the integrity of the well.
Admiral Thad Allen stated, “Work must continue to better understand the lower than expected pressure readings. This work centers on two plausible scenarios, depletion of oil from the reservoir and potential leakage caused by damage to the well bore or casing.
While we are pleased that no oil is currently being released into the Gulf of Mexico and want to take all appropriate action to keep it that way, it is important that all decisions are driven by the science. Ultimately, we must insure no irreversible damage is done which could cause uncontrolled leakage from numerous points on the sea floor.”
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