BP (NYSE:BP): 22 Mile Long Oil Plume Heading To Florida

Off the BP (NYSE:BP) work site, a 22 mile long and 6 mile wide oil plume has been discovered by the University of South Florida college of Marine Sciences researchers. They say it is preparing to enter a underwater canyon. The effects of this would be devastating.

This massive plume is dangerously close to entering a large underwater canyon, once the crude oil enters this canyon the plants and animals that feed larger organisms will be bathed in a toxic chemical and oil soup. This canyon is responsible for fueling the food chain off the Gulf in Florida.

David Hollander, associate professor of chemical oceanography said, "the plume was detected just beneath the surface down to about 3,300 feet." He said their team found the thickest amounts of hydrocarbons at around 1,300 feet below in the same spot on two separate days this week.

Further testing by the researchers is planned to determine if the hydrocarbons they discovered are from the emulsification of oil or results of dispersants used as they made their way from the well into the sea.

BP: (NYSE:BP) We'll Reduce Use By 50-80 % Of Corexit

BP (NYSE:BP) continues its use of the dispersant Corexit, ignoring the EPA and federal government. BP says it will reduce the amount of Corexit it is currently using in the Gulf. Serious questions are being raised on the effects this chemical will have long term on wildlife and humans.

Due to BP's continued excuses and lack of action, the EPA is setting up its own research and testing in their lab in Gulf Breeze, FL. The purpose of this testing will be to find a less toxic dispersant that can aid in the safe breakup of the oil. Among these is included, a biodegradable tests and well as toxicity testing.

Lisa Jackson, the EPA Administrator said she meet with BP officials Sunday night to get the company to cut back on it use of the chemical dispersant. She feels confident that there will be a 50 - 80 percent reduction over the next few days as they proceed with their testing.

This reduction will mainly be on the surface. Jackson said, putting the dispersant directly into the stream of oil underwater has proven to be far less toxic and more effective than it's effects on the top of the water.

BP (NYSE:BP) Says There's No Better Dispersant Alternative

A BP (NYSE:BP) executive adamantly insists that there's no better dispersant for the pollution cleanup. Not to mention the dispersant that the EPA is now demanding be replaced, was approved by the Unified Command, the national guard, as well as the EPA.

It is an approved product and is effective in the pollution cleanup. Doug Suttles, BP's chief operating officer stated on Good Morning America, "it's making a difference in this fight to try and keep this stuff from coming to shore."

Suttles also stated, BP intents to continue looking for a better alternative but, "right now we cannot identify another product that is available that's better than Corexit." This statement leaves many wondering if BP will comply with the deadline the EPA has given it.

BP said in a statement to ABC News, the chemical is "one of the most well studied dispersants." It's choice of the use of Corexit was based partially on being able to "get a sufficient supply to meet our needs on a short notice."