Document: BP didn't plan for major oil spill

April 30, 2010

by The Associated Press
Friday, April 30, 2010

NEW ORLEANS -- British Petroleum downplayed the possibility of a catastrophic accident at an offshore oil rig that exploded and caused the worst U.S. spill in decades along the Gulf Coast.

In its 52-page exploration plan and environmental impact analysis for the well, BP repeatedly suggested it was unlikely, or virtually impossible, for an accident to occur that would lead to a giant crude oil spill and serious damage to beaches, fish, mammals and fisheries.

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates the mile-deep well is spewing 200,000 gallons per day.

The company conceded a spill would impact beaches and wildlife, but argued the rig's distance from shore and the company's ability to respond would prevent serious coastal damage.

A BP spokesman said a spill at this depth and this large is unprecedented.

Concern was growing Friday over the wildlife that inhabits the Gulf Coast as a massive oil slick moved into shore.

A rescue operation about 70 miles southeast of New Orleans received its first patient, a young bird found offshore covered in thick, black oil. Workers with Delaware-based Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research are using blue dishwashing soap to scrub down any oil-tainted creatures.

Down the coast, at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Miss., scientists, veterinarians and researchers are frantically preparing for the possible arrival of hundreds of oily sea mammals in the coming days.

The nonprofit facility's director, Dr. Moby Solangi, says the site will be ground zero for injured marine mammals from Texas to Florida.

Pools have been freshly cleaned and prepared to handle sea turtles, manatees and dolphins. There are as many as 5,000 dolphins in the Gulf area between the Mississippi and Louisiana coasts and the oil rig, many giving birth right now.

Solangi says "We're going to have a lot of babies here. We're looking at a colossal tragedy."

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