US orders new safety steps for offshore drilling

[ProSense]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US authorities Tuesday ordered offshore drilling rigs to implement new safety measures in the wake of the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The new directive from the Interior Department allows shallow-water drilling -- in depths of up to 500 feet (150 meters) -- to continue if rigs are in compliance with the safety rules.

The new rules call for certification from a professional engineer before beginning any new drilling operations.

They also call for new procedures for well casing and cement and at least two independent tested barriers for the well, and third--party verification of the blowout preventer -- the device that failed in the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon operation.




Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100608/pl_afp/usoilpollutionenvironmentregulate_20100608221440

[tekisui]

1. NO new offshore drilling!

It cannot be made safe enough.

[Enrique]

2. they should issue a rule

that the companies have to follow the rules.

[WatchWhatISay]

3. Lets follow Canada's lead - no drilling without a relief well established at the beginning

[ShamelessHussy]

4. What about relief wells?

:shrug:

[1Hippiechick]

5. "A day late, a dollar short" comes to mind...n/t

[Critters2]

6. Well, now that the horses are out...time to close that barn door! nt