Enviro Agency Dramatically Underestimated Oil Spill Effects When Signing Off On BP Lease

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http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/enviro_agency_signed_off_on_gulf_oil_leases_said_t.php?ref=fpa

A federal agency charged with protecting endangered species signed off in 2007 on a new round of oil drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico, saying that even if the new drilling led to a major oil spill, only some 60 endangered turtles would be killed, according to the official agency opinion reviewed by TPMmuckraker. But in the two months since the Deepwater Horizon blew, government scientists say more than 400 sea turtles have been found dead so far.

In 2007, the National Marine Fisheries Service, which enforces the Endangered Species Act, was asked to give its "biological opinion" on the impact of new oil drilling leases -- including the lease of the now-leaking Macondo prospect -- on endangered species, including turtles, sperm whales and sturgeon. Under the law, the Minerals Management Service, which leases the underwater wells, had to get NMFS's sign-off that the drilling wouldn't jeopardize the populations of endangered species.

In the report (PDF), NMFS estimated the impact of a major spill on endangered species and concluded that the new drilling "is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species." But the NMFS estimates were based on assurances from the MMS that a major spill would be significantly smaller than the current ongoing BP spill.

Neither the NMFS nor the MMS immediately returned requests for comment.

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