PRESS RELEASE: Adm. Allen Sends BP Letter About Monitoring Systems

19th Jul 2010 11:55

Statement by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen Key contact numbers Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866) 448-5816 Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511 Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (866) 279-7983 Submit a claim for damages: (800) 440-0858 Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401 Deepwater Horizon Incident Joint Information Center Phone: (713) 323-1670 (713) 323-1671 Statement by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen: "Yesterday I sent BP a letter stating that there were a number of unanswered questions about the monitoring systems they committed to as a condition of the US government extending the well integrity test. Last night a conference call between the federal science team and BP representatives was convened to discuss some specific issues, including the detection of a seep near the well and the possible observation of methane over the well. During the conversation, the federal science team got the answers they were seeking and the commitment from BP to meet their monitoring and notification obligations. Ongoing monitoring and full analysis of both the seepage and methane will continue in coordination with the science team. I authorized BP to continue the integrity test for another 24 hours and I restated our firm position that this test will only continue if they continue to meet their obligations to rigorously monitor for any signs that this test could worsen the overall situation. At any moment, we have the ability to return to the safe containment of the oil on the surface until the time the relief well is completed and the well is permanently killed." (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 19, 2010 06:55 ET (10:55 GMT)