BP Procedure 'Top Kill' Could Plug Oil Leak
May 20, 2010
BP is successfully funneling oil off the leak on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico - but they are only funneling about 3,000 barrels (about 126,000 gallons) a day - a small percentage of the estimated 210,000 to 4 million gallons per day flowing from the well, which was created by the oil rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded on April 20.
The next step is one dubbed "Top Kill," in which BP will cap the well by first pumping fluids down lines into the hole, and then sealing the opening with cement.
BP Begins Funneling Oil From Leak
May 16, 2010
After weeks of trying to plug the oil leak from the Deepwater Horizon explosion, BP has succeeded in capturing the oil with a mile-long funnel and transporting it to a ship at the ocean surface. The funnel is a temporary measure that will be used until the leak can be stopped permanently.
Meanwhile BP has also begun using dispersants to break up the oil underwater...read more.
The Oil Spill's True Size
May 22, 2010
Here's a web site where you can visualize the true size of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill...read more
BP Suffers Setback in Oil Containment
May 9, 2010
The Wall Street Journal reported that the containment dome placed over the oil leak at the Deepwater Horizon site in the Gulf of Mexico has not worked yet...read more.
38 Sea Turtles Stranded in Gulf of Mexico
May 6, 2010
Since April 30, 38 sea turtles have stranded along the coast from Louisiana to Alabama. All were dead except one, which died soon after it was found. Most of the turtles have been Kemp's ridley turtles, the smallest, and one of the most endangered sea turtles. Even though the strandings occurred near the BP oil leak, the turtle necropsies have not shown any evidence of oil, either internally or externally, so the strandings are thought to be due to other causes.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Updates on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
May 3, 2010
The oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon, the oil rig that exploded and sank of the coast of Louisiana, is now estimated to be leaking at least 5,000 barrels (about 200,00 gallons) per day.
The response team is using social media to distribute the latest updates... read more
Oil Leak Expands in Gulf of Mexico
April 26, 2010
The Deepwater Horizon was drilling a well for British company BP off the coast of Louisiana when it exploded on April 20. While many of the rig's 126 workers were evacuated, 11 are missing and presumed dead. A huge cleanup operation is underway, but if the oil gets to shore, it will be devastating to coastal habitats and marine life.
