The worst oil spill in U.S. history easily prevented

[ghost writer]

http://www.examiner.com/x-38220-Orlando ... -oil-spill

Yes, that's correct...a device that costs one half million dollars may have prevented what is on track to become the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The device is called an acoustic trigger (aka. acoustic switch, actuator). It is a remote-controlled device deployed off oil rigs that sends acoustic impulses through the water, triggering an underwater valve or explosives to shut down

According to the Wall Street Journal, Norway and Brazil require these devices in all offshore drilling operations. While they are not required with rigs offshore the U.K., BP elects to deploy them there. BP chose not to equip oil rigs off the coast of the U.S. with acoustic triggers because U.S. regulations enacted in 2003 do not require companies to do so.

CBS reported that Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent President Obama a letter Thursday reminding him that in 2000 the Interior Department insisted "oil companies have 'reliable backup systems' in the event of a rig blowout." By 2003, the plan was scrapped after a closed-door meeting with energy company executives conducted by then-Vice President Dick Cheney.

[sookie]

have you seen this

http://thestar.blogs.com/photoblog/2010 ... h-day.html

[Jack Flash]

there's going to be some finger pointing on this one

[cerina]

It is going to be absolutely devastating to the region and there have already been questions asked as to why the acoustic trigger wasn't installed. I have a feeling it will become an industry norm but, as always, it is rather shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

At least BP aren't trying to wriggle out of paying for anything, unlike Exxon.

[select an alternative]

It is going to be absolutely devastating to the region and there have already been questions asked as to why the acoustic trigger wasn't installed. I have a feeling it will become an industry norm but, as always, it is rather shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

At least BP aren't trying to wriggle out of paying for anything, unlike Exxon.

Company distributes waivers at public swimming pool; locals accuse BP of trying to 'pull the wool over our eyes'
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/wor ... le1554200/

You would be working for BP would you?

[cerina]

You would be working for BP would you?

If you are asking if I work for BP the answer is no.

It is ironic that BP are ending up employing so many people they have, effectively ruined.

I am not going to comment on that waiver as the bit that is quoted there does not make it clear whether that is a waiver on damages as a result of the oil slick or whether it comes into force once they are BP employees.

[Don't Blink]

Don't let her mild manner fool you. She is part of a crack legal team, getting ready to head to the US to defend British Petroleum against any and all liabilities. I assure you that US tort lawyers are scared shitless.


Cerina, you can put away that silly gray wig. They don't wear them over here.

You're not wearing a wig !?!

ah er ...well ...ah

[cerina]

You promised you wouldn't give away my secret identity. Now I'm going to have to start all over again.

[mugley]