Parker Waichman LLP

BP Preparing Backup Plan If Oil Spill Top Kill Fails

BP will attempt a “top kill” as early as tomorrow to stop the gushing Deepwater Horizon oil well beneath the Gulf of Mexico. But just in case that plan doesn’t work, the company is prepping another to contain the devastating spill. A top kill involves using heavy mud, drilling fluids and cement to plug up […]

BP will attempt a “top kill” as early as tomorrow to stop the gushing Deepwater Horizon oil well beneath the Gulf of Mexico. But just in case that plan doesn’t work, the company is prepping another to contain the devastating spill.

A top kill involves using heavy mud, drilling fluids and cement to plug up the well. The procedure has never been attempted in such deep water before, and no one knows if it will work. Making the rounds of morning news shows yesterday, Doug Suttles, chief operating officer at BP PLC, admitted as much, putting the odds of the top kill working at six or seven on a scale of ten.

According to a Reuters report, BP now says it had plans to remove a damaged part from the ruptured well and put in place a tube which would capture most of the oil and gas flowing into the sea, calling it the LMRP cap containment option. The option will be ready at the end of the month.

Oil has been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico since April 20, when an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig killed 11 crew. The blast caused a catastrophic fire, and the rig sunk days later. Since then, all of BP’s attempts to cap the well have failed.

At least 6 million gallons of crude have spilled into the gulf since the explosion. Thick oil has made its way at least 12 miles into Louisiana’s fragile wetlands. The oil spill has fouled at least 70 miles of the state’s coast.

Frustration with BP has grown as it continues to struggle to stop the spill. Some have also questioned the federal government’s apparent decision to let BP head up and control cleanup and containment efforts. Over the weekend, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar indicated that the government might take over the efforts if BP didn’t produce results soon.

But at a White House briefing yesterday, Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen, who is heading the federal response to the spill, appeared to reject such a move: “To push BP out of the way, it would raise the question, to replace them with what?” He characterized Salazar’s comments as “more of a metaphor.”

According to the Associated Press, Allen said federal law dictated that BP had to operate the cleanup, with the government overseeing its efforts. Allen said the government held veto power and had adopted an “inquisitorial” stand toward the company’s ideas.

Allen also maintained that the government has the authority to tell BP what to do, and such orders carry the force of law, the Associated Press said.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Josephine Burgess-Zephrine guided me with patience and respect to the process regarding the process of preparing documents, submitting motions and finally testifying. Due do Josephine's professionalism and patience, I am very comfortable with speaking to all parties regarding my case. Thank you Josephine Burgess-Zephrine.
Denice Briggs
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness Benita, I am so grateful for your passion, professionalism and dedication. I appreciate the amazing legal work you did on my behalf. Thank you so much!
Amelia Hendricks
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Joanne Stevens I have been working with Joanne for several months. She is responsive, compassionate and knowledgeable. My positive experience with her has been consistent with that of the entire PW team.
Cindy Spera
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038