We knew it was bad. We didn’t know it was this bad. Today the US Geological Survey released its preliminary estimates of just how much oil is escaping from the well. The survey was independent—the only thing BP provided was raw data. Two separate study teams used two different methods to come up with estimates. One looked at pictures of the water’s surface provided by NASA. The other looked at live underwater pictures of fluid coming out of the well. Combining that info leads scientists to estimate that 12000-19000 gallons of oil are escaping the well each day. That’s two to three times the estimates initially provided.
Meantime, BP is still continuing its efforts to plug the well. Their latest attempt is called “top kill.” There have been conflicting reports as to its success. Most, including BP, say it’s too early to tell. We may know more this afternoon. President Obama plans to talk about the oil spill response at about 1245pm EST. He’ll be visiting the Lousiana coast tomorrow.
