Admiral Thad Allen Explains Progress Of BP’s Latest Attempt At Plugging The Gulf Leak

National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen held a press conference today to explain the next steps BP is taking in its attempt to plug the gushing oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. After several failed attempts to plug the leak, BP is increasingly optimistic about this latest attempt, and Admiral Allen notes that we will know later tonight after an integrity test that will seal the well completely whether this really is the end of the leak.

Using a whiteboard with an illustration of the gushing well (because he didn’t have access to Powerpoint), Admiral Allen explained that the tests on the new cap have been approved by the government and would begin “later this evening.” The integrity test is critical to the success of this new plugging attempt, so BP and the government should know whether it is successful later this evening.

He also went through the details of how the testing would work, including the application of pressure to the leak and the closing of the top of the pipe to stop the oil from leaking.

Video of the press conference via CNN below:

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!