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How did they fix the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico?

How did they fix the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico?

On July 15, 2010, BP announced that it had successfully plugged the oil leak using a tightly fitted cap. The cap, weighing 75 tons and standing 30 feet (9.1 m) high, is now bolted to the failed blowout preventer. It consists of a Flange Transition Spool and a 3 Ram Stack and is a temporary solution.

How does the US clean up oil spills?

1. Shoreline Flushing/Washing: Water hoses can rinse oil from the shoreline into the water, where it can be more easily collected. 2. Booms: Long, floating, interconnected barriers are used to minimize the spread of spilled oil.

What is being done about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council was created by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act) in 2012 as an independent federal agency charged with administering a portion of the civil settlements associated with the …

Is BP still cleaning up the Gulf?

The BP oil continues polluting the gulf even today, according to recently released findings by scientists from the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Sciences. It’s still affecting fish and other marine species.

What happened to the oil in the Gulf of Mexico?

On April 20, 2010, the oil drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, operating in the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, exploded and sank resulting in the death of 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon and the largest spill of oil in the history of marine oil drilling operations.

Who helps clean oil spills?

In the United States, the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency are two agencies that are responsible for cleaning up oil spills. When an oil spill occurs, the oil floats and forms a millimeter-thick layer on the surface of the water.

What biological agents are used to help clean an oil spill?

Biodegradation is a process by which microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast break down complex compounds into simpler products. Biodegradation of oil is a natural process that slowly removes oil from the aquatic environment.

Who cleaned up the BP oil spill of 2010?

In all, an estimated 1,100 miles (1,770 km) of shoreline were polluted. The various cleanup efforts were coordinated by the National Response Team, a group of government agencies headed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Is Deepwater Horizon still leaking oil?

One oil well off the southeastern coast of Louisiana, owned by Taylor Energy, has been leaking since 2004, spilling between 300 and 700 barrels per day. The well’s reserves could keep it leaking for the next 100 years if it isn’t capped, meaning it will one day eclipse the Deepwater Horizon spill in terms of volume.

Is Deepwater Horizon still operating?

After approximately 36 hours, Deepwater Horizon sank on 22 April 2010. The remains of the rig were located resting on the seafloor approximately 1,500 m deep at that location, and about 400 m northwest of the well. The resultant oil spill continued until 15 July when it was closed by a cap.

When did the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico happen?

Deepwater Horizon – BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. On April 20, 2010, the oil drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, operating in the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, exploded and sank resulting in the death of 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon and the largest spill of oil in the history of marine oil drilling operations.

Who are the federal agencies responsible for the oil spill?

As the lead federal agency for this spill response, the Coast Guard is responsible for approving the use of dispersant and the specific dispersant used from the NCP Product Schedule. EPA and the Coast Guard have required BP to implement a rigorous monitoring plan for use of these dispersants subsurface.

Where can I find information on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?

Deepwater Horizon – BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has established the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill website for this purpose. In addition, links for additional information on the spill, cleanup activities and other responses are provided below.

What can be done about oil spills at sea?

In situ burning, or setting fire to an oil slick, can burn the oil away at sea, and chemical dispersants can break up oil slicks from the surface. However, cleanup activities can never remove 100% of the oil spilled, and scientists have to be careful that their actions don’t cause additional harm.