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Back to To the Point

To the Point

The Gulf Oil Spill and the Long-Term Recovery

The cap on BP's broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been holding, but that's only temporary. After more than three months, preparations are finally underway for finally sealing it once and for all. The worst oil spill in US history might be doing less damage than first estimated, or it could be a whole lot worse.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

The cap on BP's broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been holding, but that's only temporary. After more than three months, preparations are finally underway for finally sealing it once and for all. The worst oil spill in US history might be doing less damage than first estimated, or it could be a whole lot worse. BP has begun what new CEO Bob Dudley calls a "scale-back," removing skimmers and reducing hazmat crews. But critics say it might be too soon. They're worried about underwater oil pools that could still wash ashore, even after the gusher is finally sealed. The worst damage has resulted from using the Gulf as an industrial dumping ground. Meantime, what about the psychological toll of constant crisis? We hear more about the spill, including the way it's created a "corrosive community."

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

  • KCRW placeholder

    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

  • KCRW placeholder

    Mark Schleifstein

    Times-Picayune

  • KCRW placeholder

    Paul Kemp

    Vice President, National Audubon Society

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    George Crozier

    Executive Director, Dauphin Island Sea Lab

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