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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

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      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • KCRW placeholder

      Karen Radziner

      Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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      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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