The Oil Stops
For the first time since April, the flow of oil from the Deepwater Horizon well has been completely shut off.
Which is good news, but before you start partying — it’s not a permanent solution.
BP will be monitoring pressure under the cap. High pressure is good, because it shows there’s only a single leak. Low pressure, below 6,000 pounds per square inch or so, could mean more leaks farther down in the well.
The cap is not a permanent fix. BP is drilling two relief wells so it can pump mud and cement into the leaking well in hopes of plugging it for good. Those are expected to be completed in August.