Getting your player ready...
British Petroleum downplayed the possibility of a catastrophic accident at an offshore rig that exploded last week.
In its 52-page exploration plan and environmental impact analysis for the well, BP 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.
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.” At least 1.6 million gallons have spilled so far, according to Coast Guard estimates.
