Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–July 29, 2010.
PAST 24 HOURS Admiral Allen Provides an Update on the BP Oil Spill Response National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen provided a briefing to inform the American public and answer questions on the administration-wide response to the BP oil spill. Admiral Allen provided an update on ongoing cleanup operations and the progress of preparations for the static kill procedure and relief well drilling, and reported on his meeting today with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and the Parish Presidents. He described a “frank, open, productive meeting” and discussed three areas of agreement that were reached:
Drilling of the Relief Well Continues Development Driller III is preparing to lay the casing line, a necessary step before beginning the static kill procedure, which involves pumping mud and cement in through the top of the well. Development Driller II is conducting maintenance and will hold operations and await results of the DDIII relief well. Development Driller III has drilled the first relief well to a depth of 17,864 feet below the Gulf surface and Development Driller II has drilled the second relief well—a redundancy measure taken at the direction of the administration—to a depth of 15,963 feet below the surface. Seismic and Acoustic Testing Continue to Ensure the Integrity of the Wellhead In order to ensure the integrity of the wellhead and search for and respond to anomalies, the research vessel Geco Topaz is conducting seismic surveys of the seafloor around the wellhead, and the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter is conducting acoustic surveys—part of continued efforts to use the best scientific tools available in response to the BP oil spill. As of this morning, the pressure continues to rise, demonstrating that it has integrity, and is currently at 6,951 pounds per square inch. FWS Personnel Continue Wildlife Rescue and Recovery Missions Across the Region From the Houma, La., Incident Command Post, 256 field personnel, 82 vessels and 2 helicopters participated in reconnaissance and wildlife rescue and recovery missions. From the Mobile, Ala., Incident Command Post, 28 two-person wildlife recovery teams and 21 support personnel and 18 vessels participated in wildlife recovery operations and received 34 calls on the Wildlife Hotline. To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Approved SBA Economic Injury Assistance Loans Surpass $17.3 Million SBA has approved 201 economic injury assistance loans to date, totaling more than $17.3 million for small businesses in the Gulf Coast impacted by the BP oil spill. Additionally, the agency has granted deferments on 707 existing SBA disaster loans in the region, totaling more than $3.7 million per month in payments. For information on assistance loans for affected businesses, visit the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance, call (800) 659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or email [email protected]. Administration Continues to Oversee BP’s Claims Process; More than $250 Million Disbursed The administration will continue to hold the responsible parties accountable for repairing the damage, and repaying Americans who’ve suffered a financial loss as a result of the BP oil spill. To date, 135,217 claims have been opened, from which more than $258 million have been disbursed. No claims have been denied to date. There are 1,267 claims adjusters on the ground. To file a claim, visit www.bp.com/claims or call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. Additional information about the BP claims process and all available avenues of assistance can be found at www.disasterassistance.gov. |
By the Numbers to Date:
Source: deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |