New Technology May Cut Oil Leak As Legal Actions Against BP Grow

Experts attempting to slow the flow of oil from the Deepwater Horizon rig collapse may have found a way to slow the pace at which oil reaches the surface of the Gulf of Mexico. The NOAA reports that oil continues to flow into the Gulf of Mexico at an estimated to 5000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day from three leaks in damaged piping on the sea floor.

The new approach was suggested by Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) now aiding BP plc (NYSE: BP) and the federal government in their attempts to contain the size of the spill.  NOAA tested the technique which is to apply dispersants to oil at the source which is 5000 feet below the surface. The dispersants may be able to break up the crude in a way that keeps it from rising through the water.

New drilling rigs are being sent to the area in the event that a second well needs to be made to relieve the pressure of the oil that is coming from the Deepwater Horizon leak. That process is expected to take several months

In the meantime, the NOAA trajectory map of the area from early on May 2 shows the oil slick has begun to reach shore.

The direction of the wind in the area is exacerbating the problems containing the spill. The National Weather Service forecasts southeast winds through the weekend which will push surface oil towards shore and hamper surface recovery efforts until a forecast shift on Monday. Reuters reported that “coastline from Louisiana to Florida is threatened by the slick, estimated to be some 130 miles by 70 miles in size and still growing.”

President Obama is expected to visit the site today.

Aside from the clean-up costs which BP estimates cost its $6 million a day, several groups have filed suits against the company. News services report that “At least four lawsuits naming all or some of the companies have been filed in U.S. District Court in New Orleans.” These suits include one by shrimpers in Louisiana. The Telegraph puts the number of suits at 36.

Douglas A. McIntyre