Measuring the Oil Spill and Royalties

[KingBob]

The reason BP is not allowing anyone near the wellhead to measure the rate of oil escaping is simple economics. While BP is going to pay big on cleaning up this spill and I don't believe for a second that BP will do anymore than PR demands, remember royalties have to be paid on the amount of oil produced. If BP can keep the amount of oil leaking at 5,000 barrels per day, think how much money BP is not paying on the royalties at the suggested rate of 60,000 barrels per day. Remember BP wanted to save just a few million dollars cutting corners to start producing the well early.

[Angry Dragon]

1. IT IS NOT A SPILL

it is a gusher that is destroying the southern coast line, destroying woldlife and creating financial hardship on many people. That is not a spill. A spill is something you wipe up and move along. It will be a long time before this cleaned up if ever.

[Scuba]

3. +1

[KingBob]

4. Yes

You are correct in saying this is a gusher. It is spewing oil, unchecked, at a rate much higher than the 1000 to 5000 barrels per day that BP and the US government are claiming. Much higher. As the wreck of the Exxon Valdez has proved, this problem will not go away after the relief well is finished and the well is plugged. I fear this will destroy the Gulf Coast coastal habitats for at least a generation. And will BP pay the price? No. We will. Over and over. I will be long gone before this is over.

[G_j]

2. It appears you are right nt