Following yesterday’s static kill tests and subsequent pumping of drilling mud, BP said it has received authorisation from the National Incident Commander (NIC), Thad allen to conduct cementing operations on the MC252 well as part of the procedure. Pumping operations are expected to begin Thursday, August 5.
The procedure will be followed by another procedure called “bottom kill” in which heavy drilling mud and cement is pumped into the bottom of the well’s reservoir to completely seal it off.
All operations are being carried out with the guidance and approval of the NIC and other government officials. The aim of the procedure is to assist with the strategy to kill and isolate the well, and will complement the upcoming relief well operation.
Oil has been gushing out of the leaking oil well for close to four months since the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that killed 11 workers and injured 17 others. Â Whilst reporting its second quarter results last week, the British oil giant said it was setting aside US$32.2 billion in addition to its $20 billion escrow fund towards the clean up costs of the oil spill.
