The governmental science team and Admiral Thad Allen, the Deepwater Horizon Response commander, have authorized BP to replace the BOP on the Macondo well before completing the relief well.
Offshore staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The governmental science team and Admiral Thad Allen, the Deepwater Horizon Response commander, have authorized BP to replace the BOP on the Macondo well before completing the relief well.
The conditions placed upon BP in replacing the BOP are: 1. Submit for approval a fishing procedure and BOP replacement timeline 2. No flow of detectable hydrocarbons during the ambient test or fishing operations, and placing of a complete monitoring system 3. Drill pipe and any other junk in the hole must be removable without damaging the existing plug, hanger, or seal.
These conditions each must be met prior to the work starting.
Allen said further directives will address other issues such as developing a BOP salvage plan and conduct of the bottom kill.
