We’re dealing with a massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster—Obama
“The oil that is still leaking from the well could seriously damage the economy and the environment of our Gulf states.
“And it could extend for a long time. It could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of Americans who call this place home.” Mr Obama added.
We know that, Mr President. Why aren’t you doing something about it?

Deepwater Horizon Trajectory Map May 2. Click image to enlarge.

Projected oil trajectory for May 4. Source: NOAA/DOI. Click image to enlarge.

BP’s Mississippi Canyon 252 oil leak- NOAA forecast for location and size of oil spill, May 3. Click image to enlarge.
NEWS and UPDATES:
“NOAA is restricting fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. The closure is effective immediately,”the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a statement.
“The scenario is a very grave scenario. You’re looking at potentially 90 days before you ultimately get to what is the ultimate solution.” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. [Could you say that one more time?]
Gov. Robert Riley has ordered the National Guard to construct barriers against the oil slick drifting toward Alabama because, he said, about 80% of boom laid down off the gulf coast had destroyed by rough seas.
When asked why there was no plan to deal with the disaster at the oil well, BP PLC Chairman Lamar McKay said it “seemed inconceivable” that equipment installed to avert a blowout would fail.
Seafood Quality
“Although crude oil has the potential to taint seafood with flavors and odors caused by exposure to hydrocarbon chemicals, the public should not be concerned about the safety of seafood in the stores at this time.” FDA said in a statement Dated April 30, 2010.
Just How Many Birds Are Out There in the Coastal Marshlands

No one told the birds to stay behind the boom line. Then again, it makes precious little difference because the waves easily push the oil over the boom and deposit the stick stuff on the beaches. Further, Gov. Robert Riley of Alabama says about 80% of boom laid down off the coast have been broken down. Image credit: Sean Gardner/Greenpeace handout/via Reuters. Click image to enlarge.
Oil Stats:
- How many Active Platforms in GOM? See image below.
- How Many Active Leases? There were 7,310 leases in March 2008.
- How Much Crude Oil in the Damaged Well? Up to 250 million BOE [Fire-Earth estimate.]
- GOM Oil as a Percentage of Total US Output: 25%, deepwater operations account for 18% (2007).
[If you are reprinting Fire-Earth data published here, please quote source in case clarification is needed.]

NOAA map of the northern Gulf of Mexico showing about 4,000 active oil and gas platforms (July 2006). Click image to enlarge.
What GOM Oil Sill Looks Like (close up)

Gulf’s crude stream. Image credit: Chris Graythen, Getty Images. Image may be subject to copyright. Click image to enlarge.
Quote for the Day: “Buffett ‘n’ BP”
In the same way the Artifact of America (Oracle of Omaha) is staunchly defending the Wall Street Gangsters, Goldmn Sachs for their self-indulgence, he should defend the pirates of the Gulf, BP, for their greed—Blog reader C.B.
The damage is not just about birds and fish, it’s also about people. —Blog reader KBD
Related Links:
Other Sources:
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