CRIMINAL: BP didn’t plan for major spill

[spanone]

MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER - British Petroleum downplayed the possibility of a catastrophic accident at an offshore rig that exploded, causing the worst U.S. spill in decades along the Gulf coast and endangering shoreline habitat, documents suggest.

In the 52-page exploration plan and environmental impact analysis, BP repeatedly suggested it was unlikely, or virtually impossible, for an accident to occur that would lead to a giant crude oil spill and serious damage to beaches, fish, mammals and fisheries.

Shortly after news of the documents broke came reports of the first known wildlife casualty from the slick, an oiled gannet which was taken away from cleaning. A leading expert warned "many more" were expected.

A White House official said Saturday morning that President Barack Obama would travel to the Gulf Coast within the next 48 hours. The White House said president would have a "very small footprint" to avoid interfering with the ongoing clean-up operation, NBC reported.

BP's plan filed with the federal Minerals Management Service for the Deepwater Horizon well, dated February 2009, says repeatedly that it was "unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface oil spill would occur from the proposed activities."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36870222/ns/us_news-environment/