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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 And the Governator has just withdrawn support for drilling off the California coast.

4 of 913 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Don't worry BP ... by sarujin · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I agree with the other poster. BP can't raise rates without being at a disadvantage with its competition.

  2. Re:Seriously... by Yoda2 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I agree its worth investigating. Made a comment the other day on this.

  3. Alternative energy, but not hydrogen by plopez · · Score: 1, Redundant

    I just want to point out that the "hydrogen economy" touted by W. is a sham. The cheapest way to get hydrogen is by steam forming from fossil fuels. E.g. live steam over coal.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_production

    I am angry with Reagan. He destroyed the US, and harmed the world, by killing alternative fuels research in the early 80's.

    W. and Cheney are also objects of my anger. As is GM who killed by what accounts was a great electric car in 2000.

    And the US Congress for gutting mileage standards.

    How stupid are people?

    Why are we using 19th century technology in the 21st century?

    The upside is ANWAR maybe untouchable now.

    This will probably be modded as "redundant".

    --
    putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
  4. Re:Valdez leaked 11 million gallons... by rjames13 · · Score: 0, Redundant
    Engineers are working on a dome-like device to cover oil rising to the surface and pump it to container vessels, but it may be weeks before this is in place. It is feared that work on sealing the leaking well using robotic submersibles might take months. BP is also working on a "relief well" to intersect the original well, but this is experimental and could take two to three months to stop the flow.

    From http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8651624.stm

    So basically it will exceed the Exxon Valdez oil spill amount before it is fixed.