BP, 2 other companies cited over Gulf oil spill

Federal regulators cited oil company BP PLC and two other companies, Transocean Ltd. and Halliburton, for alleged safety and environmental violations stemming from last year’s rig explosion and massive Gulf oil spill.

Oil Still Threatens a Cajun Paradise

More than a year after the BP well was plugged, oil still floats on the surface and moves with the wind, spreading its tentacles to birds and fish and anything else that touches its toxic trail across the sea.

BP oil not degrading on Gulf floor, study says

Recent tests confirm that the wave of tar balls that hit Alabama’s beaches after Tropical Storm Lee, was from last year’s BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The study lead by Auburn University scientists, concludes that mats of oil are still submerged on the Gulf seabed, and the material could pose a long-term threat to coastal ecosystems.

An Oily Tide Washes in With Gulf Storms

When Tropical Storm Lee pummeled the Gulf coast with wind and rain last week, it left more than local floods and wind damage in its wake. Residents from Florida to Louisiana report the slow-moving gale blew in oily residues, thick tar mats and tar balls, confirming fears that the crude from BP’s historic blowout is far from gone. Many along the coast watch and wonder, waiting to see what the next storm blows in.

Some Lessons Learned from the Two Worst Oils Spills in U.S. History ?

Despite vast differences in the impacted marine ecosystems and the circumstances of these two worst oil spills in U.S. history, oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in reducing the overall environmental impact of both spills. However, “It is too soon to tell what the impact of the BP oil spill will be on the delicate marsh environments and beach communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

The Well From Hell

“The Well From Hell”, explores the greater social and political impact of last year’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Written following a visit to New Orleans, author William Sargent looks at the history of fossil fuels and examines how continued reliance on “big oil” will impact ourselves and the world arround us. A book by William Sargent, published by Strawberry Hill Press.