[QUOTE=company man 1;36127]This should make for interesting reading for those who STILL believe the old company line out there.
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/bp-official-admits-damage-beneath-sea-floor[/QUOTE]
I read the article and it brings home the fact that there has only been one option to fix this well from day one: drilling a relief well. The political pressure on BP caused them to look for ways in which to attempt to combat the flow issues. They tried the ‘hats’, realising that oil capture was the main hope. These failed and the political pressure continued. Eventually, the idea that they may be able to pump down the C&K lines was considered possible. We all knew the risks involved. I feel the top kill has resulted in breaking down the formation (possibly through the Glass Plug in the 16" casing), and thereby creating a bigger leak.
I wonder if BP decided to do this on their own or if they were forced to try it, by a higher authority. Flow has increased as a result. BP would have been aware of the risks. They may have been forced to try and kill the well, even though we all know it could break down formations, thereby creating more flow areas.
Sometimes, political pressure backfires. There is no way to fix problems like this short term, even though Obama insists on and demands a solution. Easier said than done.