British Petroleum downplayed the possibility of a catastrophic accident at an offshore rig that exploded, causing the worst U.S. spill in decades along the Gulf coast and endangering shoreline habitat.
In the 52-page exploration plan and environmental impact analysis, BP repeatedly suggested it was unlikely, or virtually impossible, for an accident to occur that would lead to a giant crude oil spill and serious damage to beaches, fish, mammals and fisheries.
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 "cause impacts" to 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."
So much for accuracy in BP's assessment. What's inconceivable to me is that the Minerals Management Service found the no-plan acceptable and permitted BP to move forward to build and operate the rig.
I have been so upset by spill that I can hardly find words.
ReplyDeleteI still remember what the Pemex spill
in the Gulf did to the Texas shoreline. Tar balls washed up on the beaches for 15-20 years after they finally stopped that leak. The damage to the fragile ecosystem of the lagoons damaged the redfish population (my favorite of the Gulf of Mexico fish) and endangered the whooping cranes that winter in the Port Aransas Wildlife Refuge and the Kemp's Ridley turtles that breed on Padre Island and so much more.
That was 600 miles off the coast. I am sick about the implications of the BP spill so close to the Louisiana shore.
Prevention is the thing! How then this? DENIAL is more than a River in Egypt...
ReplyDeleteMike, I remember the pictures from the Pemex spill and from the Valdez. They haunt me right now, especially the birds covered in tar-like crude oil.
ReplyDeleteDENIAL is more than a River in Egypt...
Göran, you are so right.
Here's a novel idea. How about a 4 cent rise in the gasoline tax? Let's face it, even after this catastrophe, we're not going to conserve until we absolutely have to.
ReplyDeleteWe suck down oil like a desperate crack addict. We've already started 2 wars over the stuff, and now this. It's time for rehab.
Oil companies like BP don't give a damn about the environment and never will. Their bottom line is profit. They should never be left to their own devices to regulate or assess anything. Of course they didn't have a proper plan.
ReplyDeleteI should know because back in the day I briefly worked for one (Mobil/Exxon, if anyone wants to know). The only good thing about that is that I was so colossally bad at my job I think in my own small way I actually hindered the company's efforts rather than helped it. Thanks be to God.
Counterlight, "We have met the enemy and he is us." It's all well and good to blame the oil companies, but the main blame is in the mirror.
ReplyDeleteCathy, the oil companies care only about raking in profits. Thank you for doing your small part to sabotage big oil.
The regulatory agencies in this nation have long been gormless. They need to be empowered and encouraged to act in ways that have sufficiently serious consequences that corporations will take them seriously.
ReplyDeleteI should live so long.