Research scientist claims BP oil gush closer to 3 mn gallons a day

Congressman to launch inquiry on how much oil is gushing into gulf

By CNN Wire Staff

A U.S. congressman said he will launch a formal inquiry Friday into how much oil is gushing into the Gulf of Mexico after learning of independent estimates that are significantly higher than the amount BP officials have provided.

‘Unprecedented’ use of subsea dispersant to combat BP oil disaster

Updated gush figure added.

By Rady Ananda

Today, May 12, the Deepwater Horizon Incident Unified Command held a media advisory regarding the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, which began on April 20th.  Officials advised that subsea dispersants, the effects of which are widely unknown, are being used for the first time.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, opened the call with brief statements focused on the use of dispersants, chemical agents used to break up the oil. 

“The use of subsea dispersants is unprecedented,” reported Lisa Jackson.