The most important/shocking thing that was said at the Hayward hearing

[Tx4obama]

The most important thing, in my opinion, that was said at the hearing by Hayward isn't being talked about in the news.

Rep. Scalise asked if the casing (of the well) is cracked underground.
Tony Hayward responded that he didn't know because they haven't seen inside the well.

This is VERY important issue because a day or so before the hearing an expert on CNN said that if the casing had gotten blown out/cracked/damaged during the explosion then the new relief wells that BP is drilling will not be able to be used to plug the well. Guess we'll all find out in August/September.”

[WeDidIt]

1. Just one note, that so-called expert is NOT a geologist. He's an accountant. n/t

[librechik]

2. Funny/Strange--when I first clicked this link, a totally blank area came up instead of this post

I thought it was a joke and was wondering how you did that!

I clicked again and the post came up--and--you are correct, sir/madam. They are literally blowing smoke with all the fantasy talk about relief wells. It seems obvious from non-BP sources that the well is compromised and relieveing the pressure on it is amuch more difficult problem than is being put forth.

[End Of The Road]

3. Is this why they seem to be monitoring the tilt of the BOP?

Is the tilt of the BOP an indicator of the integrity of the casing below?

All the science I don't understand...

[RC]

5. Yes they are.

The bottom of the ocean there is 15 to 20 feet of silt and sand. it is providing no support of the 450 ton BOP.
So, basically the BOP is mounted on the end of a 22 inch pipe sticking up unsupported for 20 feet or so. The currents down there are making it move around a bit. If it tips too far, it will fall over and they they will have no control of the oil coming out.

Contrary to another poster's post, the relief well is a proven method of plugging well runaway wells. that is what they are going for. The second well is in case they miss with the first well.

I'm thinking they should have started with 3 relief well, just to make sure.

That BP boss on the now sunken platform, if he is still alive, should be in jail for criminal negligence and man slaughter charges for ordering the heavy drilling mud to be replaced with sea water. That was the fatal straw in a long list of 'money saving' shortcuts he ordered.

[Oceansaway]

4. K&R...n/t