Tackling oil rig disaster 'number one priority' - Obama (BBC News)

[pinto]

Tackling oil rig disaster 'number one priority' - Obama



US President Barack Obama has said that dealing with Tuesday's oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is a "number one priority".

The government was providing "all assistance needed" in the rescue effort off Louisiana, and in mitigating any environmental impact, he said.

The Deepwater Horizon sank after a blast, leaving 11 workers missing.

There are fears of a major spill, with the coast guard saying the rig may be leaking 8,000 barrels of oil per day.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8638938.stm

[Webster Green]

1. Number 2 priority: "Drill Baby Drill!" (n/t)

[Merchant Marine]

2. There is significant spill response already in place- this will not be an Exxon Valdez

"Release date: 22 April 2010

BP today activated an extensive oil spill response in the US Gulf of Mexico following the fire and subsequent sinking of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling rig 130 miles south-east of New Orleans.
BP is assisting Transocean in an assessment of the well and subsea blow out preventer with remotely operated vehicles.

BP has also initiated a plan for the drilling of a relief well, if required. A nearby drilling rig will be used to drill the well. The rig is available to begin activity immediately.
BP has mobilized a flotilla of vessels and resources that includes:
significant mechanical recovery capacity;
32 spill response vessels including a large storage barge;
skimming capacity of more than 171,000 barrels per day, with more available if needed;
offshore storage capacity of 122,000 barrels and additional 175,000 barrels available and on standby;
supplies of more than 100,000 gallons of dispersants and four aircraft ready to spray dispersant to the spill, and the pre-approval of the US Coast Guard to use them;
500,000 feet of boom increasing to 1,000,000 feet of boom by day’s end;
pre-planned forecasting of 48-hour spill trajectory which indicates spilled oil will remain well offshore during that period;
pre-planned staging of resources for protection of environmentally sensitive areas.

"We are determined to do everything in our power to contain this oil spill and resolve the situation as rapidly, safely and effectively as possible," said Group Chief Executive Tony Hayward. "We have assembled and are now deploying world-class facilities, resources and expertise, and can call on more if needed. There should be no doubt of our resolve to limit the escape of oil and protect the marine and coastal environments from its effects."

As part of its planning and approval requirement prior to offshore activity, the area was evaluated for use of dispersants and the plans approved by the US Coast Guard which has now given the go-ahead for their use."

[Name removed]

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[Rex]

4. That thing looks to be the size of a small city.

What are the chances of these things happening? Don't remember the last time I heard of a rig actually sinking.

[Lochloosa]

6. Actually, it's a very rare occurance. Something went really wrong for this to happen.

It's like an iceburg. More under the water than above.

[TexasObserver]

5. recommend