BP Begins Integrity Testing On Macondo Well In U.S. Gulf

15th Jul 2010 19:44

HOUSTON (Dow Jones)--BP PLC (BP, BP.LN) said Thursday afternoon it has begun a test on its run away Macondo well that could show whether a recently placed cap could cease the gushing of oil into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The test will last at least six hours but could last up to two days, BP said in a news release. Two containment vessels that have been collecting oil from the well have ceased operations, the company said. "Although it cannot be assured, it is expected that no oil will be released to the ocean during the test," BP said in a statement. "Even if no oil is released during the test, this will not be an indication that oil and gas flow from the wellbore has been permanently stopped." The test was originally scheduled to start Tuesday but was delayed for further review and then by an equipment problem. -By Susan Daker, Dow Jones Newswires; (713) 547-9208; [email protected] Order free Annual Report for BP plc Visit http://djnewswires.ar.wilink.com/?link=BP or call 1-888-301-0513 (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 15, 2010 14:44 ET (18:44 GMT)