Oil Now on 65 Miles of Shoreline; BP Will Try a "Top Kill" to Stop the Leak

80beats
By Andrew Moseman
May 24, 2010 6:34 PMNov 19, 2019 8:27 PM
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This week BP will try one more time to stop its massive leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The "top kill" plan that was supposed to go into action on Sunday will now commence on Wednesday, the company says.

The process will involve pumping heavy fluids down two three-inch lines placed inside the wellhead. If successful, the fluids will temporarily stop the oil rush, which would then allow operators to seal the opening with cement. The wellhead, officials say, will never be used again for oil drilling [Christian Science Monitor].

Just like the containment dome

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