BP Complaints

Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on the BOP

“The damaged Blow Out Preventer (BOP), along with the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap, have been removed from the Gulf of Mexico and are currently on board the Q4000. The BOP is considered evidentiary material, and is now under the supervision of the Deepwater Horizon Criminal Investigation Team and FBI Evidence Recovery Team.”

To read a transcript of Admiral Allen’s Sept. 4 teleconference press briefing, click here.

To view Admiral Allen’s Aug. 27 directive authorizing this procedure, click here.

Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on the Successful Installation of the Replacement BOP

“Under the direction of the federal science team and U.S. government engineers, BP used the Development Driller II to successfully install a fully functioning and tested Blow Out Preventer (BOP) on the cemented Macondo 252 well. Earlier today, BP lifted the damaged BOP, which will now be lifted to the surface and recovered. During the period of time between the removal of the damaged BOP and installation of the replacement BOP, there was no observable release of hydrocarbons from the well head. This procedure was undertaken in accordance with specific conditions I set forth last week in a directive authorizing this procedure. This is an important milestone as we move toward completing the relief well and permanently killing the Macondo 252 well. I will continue to provide updates as necessary.”

To view Admiral Allen’s Aug. 27 directive authorizing the commencement of the removal procedures, click here.

Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on the Successful Removal of the BOP

“Under the direction of the federal science team and U.S. government engineers, BP has lifted the damaged Blow Out Preventer (BOP) from its position atop the cemented Macondo 252 well. We will continue to closely monitor progress as the BOP, which along with the latching device weighs approximately one million pounds, is lifted to the surface in the next 24-36 hours. This procedure was undertaken in accordance with specific conditions I set forth last week in a directive authorizing the capping stack removal, which was completed yesterday, and BOP replacement. BP will continue to follow these required conditions during the lifting of the damaged BOP and as the device is replaced. I will continue to provide updates as necessary.”

To view Admiral Allen’s Aug. 27 directive authorizing the commencement of the removal procedures, click here.

Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on the Successful Removal of the Capping Stack

“Under the direction of the federal science team and U.S. government engineers, BP has completed the capping stack removal procedure – an important step in the process to remove and preserve the damaged BOP. This procedure was undertaken in accordance with specific conditions I set forth in a directive authorizing the capping stack removal and BOP replacement last week. BP will continue to follow these required conditions for the BOP removal procedure, which is expected to commence this evening. I will continue to provide updates as necessary.”

To view Admiral Allen’s Aug. 27 directive authorizing the commencement of the removal procedures, click here.

WASHINGTON – National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen today authorized BP to terminate the fishing procedure and begin the removal of the capping stack followed by the BOP, including the specific conditions required for the removals to take place. The directive can be viewed here.

WASHINGTON – National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen late last night issued a directive to BP authorizing the BOP fishing procedure – a preparation procedure for the removal and replacement of the current BOP on the Deepwater Horizon/Macondo 252 well -provided that certain specific steps are taken to preserve forensic evidence, including the development of a timeline and plan to remove and replace the current BOP stack and full cooperation with the Joint Investigation Team and the Department of Justice. The letter directs BP to submit for review and approval a procedure for the BOP salvage operation, and it sets out a series of conditions related to execution of that procedure designed to ensure that the BOP salvage is performed in a way that doesn’t compromise the investigation.  The letter also directs BP to ensure live ROV feeds are in place prior to the removal and recovery process to document those activities. The directive can be viewed here.

WASHINGTON – Today, National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen issued a directive to BP providing authorization to replace the BOP on the Deepwater Horizon/Macondo 252 well, including the specific conditions required for the replacement to take place. If conditions are satisfied, this action will occur before Admiral Allen provides final authorization to complete the relief well and bottom kill. The directive can be viewed here.

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WHO:  Adm. Thad Allen, National Incident Commander and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

WHAT: Teleconference to provide update on ongoing Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill response efforts

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, 12:15 p.m., EDT. The call-in number is (866) 304-5784 for domestic callers, and (706) 643-1612 for international callers. Conference ID# 95435826

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