Next steps going forward
NEW ORLEANS – The Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in New Orleans authorized BP to proceed. That’s with a plan to cap and also plug the containment dome.
In 2010, the 40-foot-tall containment dome was used as a part of an attempt to capture oil and allow it to flow through a pipe to a barge on the surface. The technique was unsuccessful and the equipment was moved away from the well head and riser. In addition, it’s set in its current position which is approximately 500 meters from the original Macando well head.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Operations Began
The operation began in October. It’s also included BP mobilizing a remotely operated vehicle from the offshore construction vessel Skandi Neptune. That’s directly to the containment dome to place a cap on top of the stove pipe. Finally and plug the ROV connection ports on the sides and top of the structure. The cap and plugs were successfully put in place and no further oil emissions from the containment dome were observed.
BP Data on Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
BP has collected data via satellite throughout the operation and will continue to do so for a five-day period following, in order to detect changes in the surface sheen and to evaluate the effectiveness of these actions in abating or eliminating the sheen. In addition, the Coast Guard plans an overflight of the area later in the week.
Representatives from the Coast Guard, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and Gulf Coast Incident Management Team’s Department of Interior Liaison, as well as state on-scene coordinators from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida observed the controlled feed in New Orleans.
The Oil Spill Crisis
The oil spill in the Gulf continues to expand, seeping into the coastal marshes and affecting the local bird population. Several pelicans, their feathers typically a delightful blend of brown and white, now bear a disturbing shade of jet black due to the oil coating.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Impact on Birds
Some of the affected birds are unable to fly, resorting to hobbling as their only form of movement. Pelican eggs have also been affected, with a layer of rust-colored oil on them. Nestlings and nests are not spared either, with crude oil coating them.
Moreover, the FOSC has further directed BP to submit a feasibility plan. One that also considers the next steps toward either removing or remediating the threats of oil. Especially posed by the riser pipe and containment dome.
Furthermore, the operation and proposed plan were in response to an oil sheen in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon incident first reported to the National Response Center Sept. 16. The Coast Guard issued a Notice of Federal Interest to BP and Transocean after the reported sheen was correlated to the oil that originated from BP’s Macondo well.
In addition, the public is reminded to contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 to report all pollution incidents or the 8th Coast Guard District command center at 504-589-6225 in the event of a marine emergency.
Source: Restorethegulf.gov
