The Gulf of Mexico: Receiving 5,000 Barrels of Oil Daily

The Coast Guard announced on Wednesday that the oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico and quickly approaching the Louisiana coastland is leaking at a rate of 5,000 barrels per day, 5 times faster than originally estimated.

The U.S. military has joined forces with BP and other groups to stop the leaks as quickly as possible. According to a BBC News article, the spill could surpass the Exxon Valdez disaster in just 2 months.

A third leak was discovered on Wednesday, but officials report that it is most likely new and does not affect their estimates of the amount of oil being released.

On March 20, the oilrig Deepwater Horizon experienced an explosion due to unknown causes, leaving 11 workers missing and presumed dead. Days after the oil rig sank, it was discovered that a leak 5,000 feet undersea was releasing an estimated 1,000 barrels (42,000 gallons) each day.

Reports suggest the oil slick should reach the wetlands of the Louisiana coast on Friday; it is currently 45 miles by 105 miles in size. As of right now, decreasing the damage to surrounding environments and local wildlife takes priority. According to a New York Times article, shrimping boats will be used to gather oil near the wetlands and cannons will be set off to scare away wildlife.

Attempting to estimate the amount of oil being released is a difficult task, especially when the problem is 5,000 feet under the surface of the ocean; it could be compared to a person trying to estimate the number of gallons of water flowing out of a garden hose.

Aside from trying to prevent serious damage to the coastal U.S., the next step involves a massive, 100 ton steel dome that will capture the rising oil and controllably pump it out. The dome device will take weeks to set up and has mainly been tested in shallow waters of less than 400 feet.

The U.S. Government has ordered inspections of all oilrigs in the Gulf of Mexico, but this action comes after criticism of their lackadaisical approach to safety protocol in the oil industry. A remote-control shut off switch, not a functioning element of the Deepwater Horizon, would have given BP the ability to stop the flow of oil, sources say.

Parts of the oil slick were only 16 miles off the Louisiana coast on Wednesday. This area is home to 40% of U.S. wetlands, numerous wildlife, and major fishing spots. Although controlled burnings are reducing the amount of oil in the ocean, it is not a long-term solution. It should be noted that only ¼ of the surrounding wildlife survived the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

This could be the worst oil disaster in history, especially when you consider how distant a practical ending seems. Creating a relief well could take up to three months to stop the rush of oil. Damage to the fishing industry, the environment, and unique wildlife is impending. Hopefully, the next few days will bring better news.