GOM spill relief efforts resume

BP today provided an update on developments in the response to the MC252 oil well incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Subsea Source Control and Containment
On July 23, with the guidance and approval of the National Incident Commander (NIC) and the leadership and direction of the federal government, relief well activities at the MC252 well site were temporarily suspended because of potentially adverse weather associated with Tropical Storm Bonnie. Following the passing of the weather system, the DDIII drilling rig returned to the relief well site on July 24 and is taking steps necessary to reconnect with the well and resume drilling operations. These steps are expected to take a number of days.

The DDII drilling rig is moving back into position, and will take steps necessary to reconnect to the second relief well. However, work on the second relief well has been suspended so as not to interfere with the first.
The MC252 well has been successfully shut-in for integrity testing since July 15.

BP continues to closely monitor the MC252 well and well-capping structure, under the guidance of the Unified Command.