BP’s Attempts to Clean the Gulf Coast Team 5

BP’s Response (What They Say) April -April 20- explosion on oil rig -April 22- rig sinks and protective booms and dispersant applied -April st controlled burn

BP’s Response (What They Say) June -June 3- BP funds work for barrier islands to be constructed -June 4- BP announces advance payments of claims for those losing income or net profit -June 16- BP agrees to create a $20 billion fund over three and a half years to meet obligations arising from the spill

BP’s Response (What They Say) July -July 3- LMRP (lower marine riser package) containment cap is said to have collected 25,000 barrels -July 10- LMRP containment cap removed for a sealing cap to be installed -July 12- sealing cap placed -July 15- oil ceases to flow in gulf

BP’s Response (What They Say) August -August 5- BP starts cementing to seal the well completely -August 15- Obama and family travel to vacation in Florida to create positive of the Gulf beaches

In the Water 4.5+ Million of boom laid out 4.5+ Million of boom laid out –Barrier boom blocks oil –Snare boom catches tar balls –Absorbent boom sucks up liquid oil These booms are only effective in calm and slow-moving waters

In the Water Burning oil slicks Burning oil slicks –Surround small slicks with fireproof boom –Must have calm seas and little wind Produces thick, black plumes of smoke

In the Water Oil skimming Oil skimming –Many shrimp trawlers hired as skimmers –Surround oil –Pumps pull liquid from ocean Have collected over 15.5 million gallons of “oily liquid”

In the Water Dispersing oil Dispersing oil –Nearly 800,000 gallons of dispersant –Breaks up patches of oil –Changes inky black oil into red gummy patches Dispersant didn’t get rid of the oil, it just dissolved it into smaller particles which sank to lower depths of the ocean.

On Shore Wiping marsh grass Wiping marsh grass –Supposed to keep oil from spreading –Most grass will die regardless

On Shore Restoring/protecting beaches Restoring/protecting beaches –Hundreds of workers continue to remove balls of tar from beaches

Effects on Wildlife Over 6,000 birds had been found dead Over 6,000 birds had been found dead Over 600 dead sea turtles have been collected Over 600 dead sea turtles have been collected Around 100 dead mammals have been recovered, many of which were dolphins Around 100 dead mammals have been recovered, many of which were dolphins Oil on the surface of the water produces toxic fumes, which mammals like dolphins and whales will breathe in. When an animal eats prey that has absorbed toxins, the toxins pass into the predator.

Effects on Wildlife How You Can Help Save Wildlife in the Gulf How You Can Help Save Wildlife in the Gulf

What Should BP Do? BP needs to continue to spend all their time and effort in the Gulf Coast, making it safe for wildlife and human inhabitation. They also need to ensure that no other spills were occur, and be prepared to stop them if they do.

Community Involvement Some people work as volunteers to clean beaches Some people work as volunteers to clean beaches Others have been hired by BP to do more complicated jobs Others have been hired by BP to do more complicated jobs Some Collect Donations for the Workers (Money, Food) Some Collect Donations for the Workers (Money, Food)

As of August 2 nd, the amount of oil spilled equals about ¼ the amount of oil the US uses everyday. BP Well vs. US Consumption vs. World Consumption

An Oil Spill Timeline, Running All the Way Up to November 9 th An Oil Spill Timeline, Running All the Way Up to November 9 th