BP ignores fears: chemical dispersants pumped into oil leak
Posted by Big Gav in bp, gom, gulf of mexico, horizon, pollution
The SMH reports that BP have commenced pumping chemical dispersants into the oil flowing from the seabed in the gulf of mexico - BP ignores fears: chemical dispersants pumped into oil leak.
BP on Monday restarted operations to stream dispersants directly into the main Gulf of Mexico oil leak despite fears the chemicals could themselves be harmful to the environment.
A 1.6km-long tube was fed down to the leaking pipe on the sea floor and directly shot the dispersant into the flow, guided by remotely-operated robotic submarines.
State and federal agencies "consented to the third test today of subsea dispersant", BP spokesman John Curry said.
The test began at 4.30am (1930 AEST) "and will continue for 24 hours. After the test is concluded, further evaluations will be conducted", said Curry.
The dispersant is meant to break down the oil so that over time, the slick is reduced to smaller particles that biodegrade instead of being left as chunky, thick globs that can choke both wildlife and vegetation.
Critics however say the dispersant causes just as many problems as it solves, and affects undersea life from the smallest microorganism on up.
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