Oil Giant, BP, to Fix What They Broke

We try to stay on top of what's happening in the manufacturing industry, and well, I don't think it's any news to you that there's oil floating around in the gulf. But in case you haven't heard all the facts, here's what we've found that's currently up-to-date:

• It may not seem life-threatening to us (or you may be concerned about the animals) but did you know that 11 people were killed on April 20th in the Transocean Deepwater Horizon rig explosion? (Image shown on right, taken by the U.S. Coast Guard)
• The daily flow rate is more than 12,000 to 25,000 barrels a day. While "the Discoverer Enterprise drill ship can only handle 15,000 barrels a day" (New York Times, Coast Guard Sees Cleanup of Spill Lasting Until the Fall, June 6, 2010).
• "BP executives have said that as much as 90 percent of the escaping oil may be contained by the cap if all goes well. The cap is a temporary measure. The well cannot be cemented shut until two relief wells are drilled, by August at the earliest" (NYT, Cap Slows Gulf Oil Leak as Engineers Move Cautiously, June 5, 2010).
• Over 20,000 people are working to protect the coastlines.
• To help respond, Obama send 17,500 National Guard troops.
• The flow is coming from a 18,000-foot-deep well, where the best solution to this problem is to instate relief wells to stop the flow.
• "BP has sent $46 million in checks so far to some 17,500 Gulf Coast residents for their lost income" (NYT, BP Pays Out Claims, but Satisfaction is Not Included, June 6, 2010).
• The oil spill as of May 17, 2010 (a little outdated) was 130 miles long and 70 miles wide (The Daily Green, The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill By the Numbers, June 7, 2010).

There is also a site that you can use to put the spill into perspective. At http://www.ifitwasmyhome.com/ - you can visualize how large the spill is according to your town. You type in your city and it maps the spill in scale to your surroundings. A very cool tool to see exactly what we're dealing with out there on the Gulf Coast. When you look at the map, keep in mind it's continuing to expand as wind and nature take hold. (Image at right credit: Los Angeles Times)

It appears that it may be a long while until we can see major improvements on the disaster. Some project until August, others until Fall. However, there are many places seeking to help the cause. Here are a few:

1. National Wildlife Refuge
2. American Red Cross
3. Mad Mobile Text Campaign
4. SaveOurGulf.org

If you find any of our information to be incorrect, or if you'd like to add any details, please leave a comment below. We welcome them!


Stay current.


Sarah





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