BP (NYSE:BP) Foregoing Relief Wells: Static Kill Up In The Air

BP (NYSE:BP) has been insisting that the only way to permanently plug the well was by the relief well. Now that the engineers are only a matter of a few feet away they are unsure how to proceed.

Testing was planned Monday evening to help crews determine if the "static kill" attempt would be preformed. Kent Wells, BP senior Vice President, said that engineers may pump the cement directly into the ruptured well through the failed blowout preventer via a surface ship. This would be done rather than waiting until the end of the month for the original plans of the relief well.

The idea isn't a new one, but BP hasn't even hinted to the possibility of a plan other than the drilling of the two relief wells to permanently plug the Macondo well. BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said, "Precisely what the relief wells will do remains to be seen given what we learn from the static kill, can't predict it for certain."

Either way, "We want to end up with cement at the bottom of the hole," said Wells. Although BP was very vague as to why after so much time, effort, and money the company seems so unclear as to the exact roll the relief wells will play. Meanwhile, several leaks have sprung near the blown out well. Rumors are flying that there was more damage than BP is admitting to, caused by tropical storm Bonnie.

BP's (NYSE:BP) Static Kill Delayed Due To Debris

The static kill procedure was set to begin today, but BP (NYSE:BP) is saying it will be delayed due to debris from the Gulf of Mexico storm. Thad Allen, National Incident Commander said it's looking like the delay will only be a day hopefully.

On July 23rd, BP had to evacuate all their drilling vessels from the oil spill site to almost 40 miles off Louisiana's coast. Once Tropical Storm Bonnie subsided, there was much sediment that fell inside the wellbore which had to be removed. There is a drilling vessel preparing to install casing into the relief well.

The casing must be installed before the static kill attempt to reinforce the well. This process may cut down on the time it takes to ultimately plug the well permanently. The relief well is not expected to be ready to have the mud pumped through it for at least a few more weeks.

BP (NYSE:BP) Won't Plug Well Until Next Week

Thad Allen, National Incident Commander told reporters on Sunday that BP (NYSE:BP) will most likely begin working on plugging the well next week. The ships used to help plug the well were evacuated Friday due to tropical storm Bonnie, but most have returned or are expected to return within 24 hours.

Allen said that he plans on BP beginning the process known as "static kill" next week. This entails pouring mud into the top of the well. Once completed, they will then proceed with what's called the "bottom kill." The process includes pouring mud and concrete by a connecting line to the relief well.

Allen was very optimistic over the success of containing the leaking oil on July 15th. He said the pressure continues to rise at a slow steady pace, reaching 6,904 pounds per square inch. The well remains intact with no leaks.