GULF OIL DISASTER

Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on Well Integrity Test

"Today I met with Secretary Chu, Marcia McNutt and other scientists and geologists as well as officials from BP and other industry representatives as we continue to prepare and review protocols for the well integrity test - including the seismic mapping run that was made around the well site this morning. As a result of these discussions, we decided that the process may benefit from additional analysis that will be performed tonight and tomorrow. Both the Helix Producer and the Q4000 collection systems are currently on line with the potential to exceed the containment capability that existed before the sealing cap was installed, and skimmers continue to be surged to the well site in anticipation of any increased oil flow as part of the transition. The drilling of relief wells also continues- the first relief has been drilled to a depth of 17,840 feet below the Gulf surface, and the second to a depth of approximately 15,963 feet below the surface."

20 Best Lectures to Learn About the Oil Spill

http://www.onlinedegreeprograms.com/blog/2010/20-best-lectures-to-learn-about-the-oil-spill/

“Even if you don’t live anywhere near the Gulf Coast, you’re probably going to be affected by the spill in some respect. These lectures given by university professors, scientists, marine life experts, and even the president will tell you how.” The lectures are grouped under the general topics Environment and Ecosystem, Human Health, Business and Industry, and Solutions.

Lessons from Exxon Valdez spill have gone unheeded

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/13/AR2010071306291.html?hpid=topnews

A Disaster Congress Voted For

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/opinion/14abraham.html?_r=2&th&emc=th

DEEPWATER DRILLING MORATORIUM

Spill Panel to Press Obama Team on Drilling Ban

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703834604575365423934475834.html

“Mr. Reilly said he also wants the panel to quickly address the use of chemical dispersants in combating the spill, and whether they have affected the environment even more than the spill. "The major question for this commission, and one we haven't fully resolved, is whether this [accident] was a one-off event or [evidence of] a systemic weakness in the technology of deep-sea drilling," Mr. Reilly said.”

WILDLIFE, HUMAN AND ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS

Dead Zone in Gulf Linked to Oil

http://news.discovery.com/earth/gulf-mexico-dead-zone-oil-spill.html