Oil spill tensions rise
The US Coast Guard has advised BP that it has 48 hours to more efficiently contain the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico in a letter dated 11th June.
The US Coast Guard has advised BP that it has 48 hours to more efficiently contain the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico in a letter dated 11th June. The US Coast Guard has accused BP of not doing enough to contain the spill efficiently and to provide enough back-up measures. President Barack Obama, due to visit the coastline today, has along with the US Coast Guard urged BP to formulate a better plan in time for his arrival.
This letter written by US Coast Guard Rear Admiral James Watson, asks BP to explain its capture methods in advance of the current planned deadline in mid-July. He claims:
"It is clear that additional capacity is urgently needed . . . I am concerned that your current plans do not provide for maximum mobilisation of resources to provide the needed collection capacity."
BP has replied saying that the company is "working hard to respond to it appropriately". It is unclear what consequences would ensue should this deadline not be met.
At present a containment cap is being used to siphon off around 653 100 gallons of oil, transporting the oil to the surface where it is unloaded into tankers and taken ashore. BP is examining new ways to stem the flow of oil into the surrounding ocean but many officials believe the only way to stop further leakage is through a relief well. However, this current plan of action will, in the opinion of Watson, take too long:
"You indicate that some of the systems you have planned to deploy may take a month or more to bring online. Recognizing the complexity of this challenge, every effort must be expended to speed up the process."
Watson believes that BP's plans do not have enough safety measures in place to deal with unforeseen problems.
Currently the total cost of the oil spill is unknown as it is unclear how much oil is flowing from the well, how long it will last and how far the spill will reach. The cost could reach between $30-100 billion; this sum includes cleanup, compensation claims and other ensuing expenditures. Many individuals are beginning to question BP's ability to cover all the costs that are arising, Pete Thompson, an electrician and fisherman from the beach town of Grand Isle asserts that, "There's no way BP can pay for all this."
The letter highlights the growing tensions between BP and the US Coast Guard as the magnitude of the disaster begins to surface. It is expected this will create an uncomfortable atmosphere at the BP board's planned trip to Washington this week where the future of BP and its relationship with the US will be discussed. Deep concerns are growing over BP's ability to pay for damages as the possibility that the flow of oil could continue for another month.
Author: Rachael Bristow | Climate Action
Image: IBRRC | Flickr