Gulf Oil Disaster is Huge and Growing Catastrophe

The Gulf oil leak is building up to be a huge disaster of epic proportions. Let’s look at the numbers.

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that about 1.6 million gallons of oil have spilled since the April 20 explosion that killed 11 workers. This is estimate is exceedingly low compared to the actual amount pouring into the Gulf.

The spill is more than 130 miles long and 70 miles wide, and eclipses the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, when an oil tanker spilled 11 million gallons off Alaska’s coastline.

How much oil has leaked?

BP initially estimated that the well was pumping about 42,000 gallons daily (from three different leaks) into the gulf. A few days later, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an estimate of five times that. Scientists examining satellite photos showing the reach of the spill contended that NOAA’s estimate should be increased another fivefold— to about 1 million gallons a day.

Thirty million gallons so far and a LOT more to go, probably billions of gallons… this adds up to catastrophe of epic proportions. The Gulf can be killed by this mess.

What’s BP’s Record?

British Petroleum has a dismal record when it comes to environment. They skipped necessary safety devices to save a few dollars. Their record is dismal… recently rated the fourth worst corporation in the world.

What can be done?

First, we can hold BP liable for damages they’ve caused. I’ll talk about more things in a subsequent post. What do you think should be done to mitigate this disaster and prevent similar disasters in the future?