Unchecked (BP) oil flow would cause disaster ‘heretofore unseen by humanity’

[kpete]

Source: The Hill


Unchecked oil flow would cause disaster ‘heretofore unseen by humanity’
By Ben Geman - 05/26/10 04:15 PM ET

If BP fails to plug its ruptured offshore oil well, intense underground pressure would be enough to pump vast quantities of thick brown crude into the Gulf of Mexico for months, even years.

If even BP’s backup plans fail, it would cause a pollution disaster "heretofore unseen by humanity," said one expert.

It is this rapidly accelerating realization that is giving BP’s attempt Wednesday to cap the well new political and environmental urgency.

The worst-case scenario is hoped and believed to be a continued flow of 5,000 barrels per day, and by some estimates vastly more, until August, when BP completes “relief wells” to intercept the damaged well.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/100049-unchecked-oil-flow-would-cause-disaster-heretofore-unseen-by-humanity