BP’s plan, filed with the federal Minerals Management Service for the Deepwater Horizon well, dated February 2009, says repeatedly that it was “unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface oil spill would occur from the proposed activities.’’
And while the company conceded that a spill would impact beaches, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas, it argued that “due to the distance to shore (48 miles) and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected.’’
At least 1.6 million gallons of oil have spilled so far, according to Coast Guard estimates. Some experts said yesterday that the volume of oil leaking from the well could actually be much higher than that, and that even more may escape if the remaining drill equipment erodes further.
“Clearly, the sort of occurrence that we’ve seen on the Deepwater Horizon is clearly unprecedented,’’ BP spokesman David Nicholas said. “It’s something that we have not experienced before . . . a blowout at this depth.’’
Robert Wiygul, an environmental lawyer based in Mississippi and a board member for the Gulf Restoration Network, said he didn’t see anything in the document that suggests BP addressed the kind of technology needed to control a spill at that depth of water.
“The point is, if you’re going to be drilling in 5,000 feet of water for oil, you should have the ability to control what you’re doing,’’ Wiygul said.
Amid increased fingerpointing yesterday, high winds and choppy seas frustrated efforts to hold back the giant oil spill seeping into Louisiana’s rich fishing grounds and nesting areas, while the government desperately cast about for new ideas for dealing with the growing environmental crisis.
President Obama halted any new offshore drilling projects unless rigs have new safeguards to prevent another disaster.
The seas were too rough and the winds too strong yesterday to burn off the oil, suck it up effectively with skimmer vessels, or hold it in check with the miles of orange and yellow inflatable booms strung along the coast.
The floating barriers broke loose in the choppy water, and waves sent oily water lapping over them.
