CNN is doing some pretty good coverage of the testing of the cap now --

[gateley]

And for those who were concerned, apparently it was the Administration that delayed the testing, not BP. The Administration wanted some more info, so it wasn't something that occurred that concerned BP.

The middle valve is now shut. They will be assessing the pressure for about 6 hours then will close another valve.

[AlinPA]

1. But during the 6 hour assessment, media will scream "capping the well is stalled!!"

"BP abandons capping attempt!!!"

[LisaL]

4. For all we know, BP could abandon the capping attempt

if the well integrity is no good. Apparently they had to stop drilling of the relief well out of safety concerns. I just hope the whole thing does not blow up.

[gateley]

8. Well, yes they COULD abandon the capping attempt IF the well integrity is

no good. OR, they COULD complete the capping attempt IF the well integrity is sufficient. In all sincerity, it seems as though you're hoping for the worst possible outcome -- that's all you post about. How come?

[LisaL]

10. I am certainly not hoping for the worst possible outcome.

But BP's previous attempts to fix this do not leave me very optimistic, if you get my drift.

[gateley]

13. Understood -

But in their defense, they had no plan in place or stuff on the shelf ready to go as the management assured us they had, and these engineers and others have been scrambling to try to do what they can (and they had to have the parts manufactured, delivered, tested!) I think the engineers and other workers are really trying to do what's best. I think that BP has given them the green light to do what it takes because it behooves them financially to get it stopped.

I'm guessing -- only guessing -- that any other group of engineers and experts may have taken the same steps and made the same attempts thus far. So I can't find fault with their attempts.

It's BP'scontinual chronic disinformation and coverup of the damage that angers me beyond belief.

The powers that be in the company are the ones I'm furious with (as well as the MMS and our Congress for allowing the slack oversight and lack of regulations), not the individuals who are attempting to stop the flow. I really think they're trying their best. Every new attempt is a first step as this is the first time we've been faced with such a situation at this depth.

The Ixtoc took 9 months and 3 relief wells before they were able to kill it -- and that was in about 200 feet of water.

This is what we get when we think we can 'control' our planet. We honestly have no idea what we're in for - virgin territory. But as much as there's a chance that there will be nothing we can do, I also believe there's a chance that we WILL find a solution. It's the only thing that keeps me going at this point.

[Feron]

16. The relief well was going to be on hold anyway.

They were waiting on the results of this test to better assess the condition of the well before attempting to intersect. Which will be happening within the next two weeks. And I'm sure any tasks that had to be done were temporarily halted as a precaution. That doesn't necessarily mean that something dire is imminent.

The other relief well was already stopped. It won't be drilled further unless needed.

It'll be interesting to see what happens. I'm dubious that they will be able to shut it in, but it's worth a try if they can guarantee that it won't make things worse. I dare not get my hopes up after being promised this was the end so many other times.

It's hard to get good information because the official sources don't say much and when they do is sometimes is contradictory or outright mendacity.

[rzemanfl]

2. You know, if integrity tests had been done on oil company

management, we wouldn't be watching this.

[gateley]

3. Or on the MMS personnel. nt

[Atticus]

5. Is there a link for it being the Administration's responsibility for delaying the testing?

I haven't read anything to that effect and would appreciate a link if you have one.

Thanks.

[IcyPeas]

6. Mt. Everest sized cavern?

don't know if this is the type of link you are looking for, but this is unfathomable, if true:

http://www.americanpendulum.com/2010/06/gulf-oil-cover-up-underneath-gaping-chasm-of-gulf-floor-is-a-mt-everest-sized-cavern

[gateley]

9. Wow - what's the American Pendulum? nt

[Atticus]

11. That article is based upon another article by Wayne Madsen. If you consult

Wikipedia about Mr. Madsen, you will find him described as a "conspiracy journalist". When you read about some of the "stories" hes has reported, he does not sound like someone I'd want to be the sole source for a serious allegation like the one the American Pendulum features in its story.

[gateley]

15. That's why I asked the poster what that publication was -- I got that creepy feeling

reading it that I get from stuff like this. Like Corsi's stuff.

[gateley]

7. I heard it on CNN from Wolf Blitzer, but here:

BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles told CNN Wednesday that while final preparations for the test were under way, government scientists "raised a couple of issues which the National Incident Commander, Adm. Allen, felt it was worth putting the test on hold for 24 hours while we address those concerns."

A BP source told CNN the delay was the government's decision, saying BP employees and scientists were comfortable with "preliminary pre-testing" readings, but the government team had some concerns and wasn't ready to go to the next level. Because of that concern, additional pre-testing was conducted Tuesday evening and overnight.

Also at the link the video of Thad Allan - I think he refers to it, too.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/14/gulf.oil.disaster/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1


And from MSNBC.com:

HOUSTON — After a government review concluded that pressure tests of a new containment cap would not make the Gulf oil spill worse, BP on Wednesday began the testing — raising hopes once again that the flow could be stopped.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38200524/ns/disaster_in_the_gulf/


And right now they're saying the same thing on CNN TV - so plenty of sources.

[Atticus]

12. Thanks. These certainly support your post. nt

[gateley]

14. There are actually more I've run across stating it more emphatically, but what

I was "reporting" here was just what I'd heard on CNN.

It was pleased that it wasn't an OMG! OH NO! action on BP's part, AND that the administration seems to be double checking the info they're receiving now. Good!

I actually trust the engineers and those guys who are working on this (that's not saying they can't make mistakes) it's the money guys at BP that I don't trust worth a damn.

[Feron]

17. Last night they deployed more compatt transponders via ROVs...

Likely related to the extra information that the gov't wanted.

[slackmaster]

18. Excellent. I have no problem with them proceeding with great caution.

There is no reason to try to rush this.