This map shows the projected reach of the Gulf Coast oil spill today. AP Photo
Calm weather has allowed British Petroleum and government workers to take some steps to contain the Gulf Coast oil spill. The oil spill appears to have actually shrank in size. Some believe a good amount of oil is actually sinking below the surface which presents its own set of problems for the environment. Here is the latest updates on the spill and cleanup efforts:
(1) MarketWatch reports that BP plans on using more chemical dispersants in coming days in an attempt to contain the oil. BP is using a new method of applying the chemicals underwater rather than at the surface. BP is also using a record amount of chemical dispersants which is somewhat controversial given the toxic nature of the dispersants. The surface oil is generally considered a greater evil when compared to the chemical dispersants, but there is a limit on everything.
(2) The LA Times reports that BP executives briefed Congress on the spill and they did not give and painted a bleak picture of the future. Right now the pipeline is leaking approximately 5,000 barrels a day but BP executives said that amount could increase to 60,000 barrels a day if not solution is found.
(3) The same reports states that calm winds have allowed crews to put booms in place and contain the spill using chemical dispersants and burn offs. However, anyone who has been on the coast knows calm weather does not last too long and when it does it will cause the spill to likely spread further.
(4) A Bloomberg Business Week report quotes experts who are concerned about the spill catching on to the Gulf Current. The current could catch the spill and cause it to hit precious wildlife habitats off the tip of Florida. The oil could then travel all the way around to the East Coast.
(5) CNN reports that the spill has begun to graze some of Louisiana's Chandeleur Islands. The islands contain a wildlife refuge. Louisiana seems to be the state most threatened by the spill right now as it continues to threaten their waterways.
(6) The U.S. Department of Energy is releasing updated reports on the spill and its potential impacts. The most recent report can be read here. Included are concerns that the spill may eventually shut down traffic going into the Mississippi River. In addition, Gulf Coast power plants which draw cold water out of the waterways may have to shut down if the spill grows.
(7) The Environmental Protection Agency has also launched a website about the spill which can be seen here. The website provides the latest data from the EPA from tests they are doing on the water, air, and soil along the Gulf Coast.
(8) BP has been able to cap one of the leaks from the pipeline. Unfortunately, the cap has not reduced the overall volume of oil which is leaking.
Comments
Let's hope this cap they put on the first well today holds. Sounds like they may have found the solution.
Unfortunately (and I mean that sincerely) it is only on one of the leaks and BP admits that it will not reduce the total volume coming out. It just diverts it. Having said that, it will make it easier to siphon off the other leaks if that turns out to be realistic possibility.
ANOTHER Dem incumbent has QUIT instead of facing the voters again. Wisconsin's David Obey will coward out.
Why were contingency plans in place BEFORE a incident like this?
Why did the Obama regime give a pass to BP "from a detailed environmental impact analysis last year, according to government documents, after three reviews of the area concluded that a massive oil spill was unlikely."
Why was Obama the BIGGEST recipient of BP cash?
He was one of the BIGGEST recipient of Goldman Sachs cash too.
He was the biggest recipient of UAW cash.
He was the biggest recipient of SEIU cash.
See a pattern emerging?
Why,why, why?????
The only pattern I see emerging is that you listen to way too much Glenn Beck and Hannity.
SEIU was tip off.
David Obey is 71 years old. He has always said he would retire when health care reform was passed. So how is he a coward, exactly?
HE QUIT! He's to cowardly to face the voters again.
Dodd is the same way along with ALL the other quitters.
Funny how to the left these aholes are not "quitters" but others are.
Frumpy Barnfinckle III says: Why,why, why?????
The only pattern I see emerging is that you listen to way too much Glenn Beck and Hannity.
SEIU was tip off.
Your so wrong...again. I work to well past Becks show so I have never seen one, never. But we know your type just uses that as a hammer as some kind of insult.
Funny thing is Witts infatuation with him and the man who is ashamed of his real name, Liebowitz.
You use that hammer againt every poster you disagree with so it is quite old and silly.
Witt here uses Liebowitz as the GOD of the news. THAT is sick and twisted.
And fumpy berfuckle, I did notice how you went tight into an ad hominum attack instead of countering my facts!
Sad to be a barfuckle.
About time, as a candidate, Obama received a lot of money from across the political spectrum. So did McCain. Corporations blanket the field with donations. It's kind of like when a group of investors buy up huge lots of lottery tickets when the payout gets big enough.
Obama got more donations because he was more likely to win. You actually believe this is some kind of conspiracy?
It is totally sad to be a Barfuckle. Progressives always so sad.
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