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How Bad Is the Gulf Coast Oil Spill?

Posted by Soulskill on from the exxon-who dept.

Dasher42 writes "Claims are circulating on the Internet that the Coast Guard fears the Deepwater Horizon well has sprung two extra leaks, raising fears that all control over the release of oil at the site will be lost. The oil field, one of the largest ever discovered, could release 50,000 barrels a day into the ocean, with implications for marine life around the globe that are difficult to comprehend. So, considering that losing our oceanic life, with subsequent unraveling of our land-based ecosystems, is a far more possible apocalyptic scenario than a killer asteroid — what do we do about it?" Other readers have sent some interesting pictures of the spill. One set shows the Deepwater Horizon rig as it collapsed into the ocean. Others, from NASA, indicate that the spill's surface area now rivals that of Florida. The US government has indicated that it intends to require BP to foot the bill for the cleanup. And the Governator has just withdrawn support for drilling off the California coast.

6 of 913 comments (clear)

  1. Other fun facts by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The spill's smell now rivals that of New Jersey.

  2. Bad hell! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I just got me a row boat and a bucket. Free oil! Woo Hoo!!! The arabs can kiss my oily ass!

  3. Re:I think you overestimate the size of ships by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    >YKK

    I thought I'd heard every wacky version of the apocalypse there is... but I must admit, I've never heard of zippers causing it.

  4. Re:Don't worry BP ... by wigaloo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know this is INCONVENIENT to the Anti-corporate, anti-petroleum, liberal crowd.

    Are you suggesting that the pro-corporate, pro-petroleum, conservative crowd has found it convenient to accept their share of the responsibility for this disaster, troll?

  5. Re:Don't worry BP ... by Yaztromo · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is easy to drill in a barren desert in a far away land, which is run by religious nuts, where if there is an oil spill, you just don't care.

    You said it. Take that, Alberta!

    Yaz.

  6. Re:Don't worry BP ... by ArcherB · · Score: 4, Funny

    When did I ask that they cut corners?
    If I could go buy gas and get a guarantee that it did not come form BP I sure as hell would. I would love to send a market signal that I prefer producers who do not cut corners.

    Well, that's easy. Go to a service station with a big sign that says, "Exxon".

    That will show BP that you won't tolerate oil spills!

    --
    There is no "I disagree" mod for a reason. Flamebait, Troll, and Overrated are not substitutes.