Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Environment

Chronology Of A Catastrophe

June 14, 2010 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 88, Issue 24

[+]Enlarge
Credit: UPI/Patrick Kelley/U.S. Coast Guard/Newscom
Credit: UPI/Patrick Kelley/U.S. Coast Guard/Newscom
[+]Enlarge
Credit: UPI/A.J. Sisco/Newscom
Credit: UPI/A.J. Sisco/Newscom

April 20

Initial explosion on Deepwater Horizon exploration rig kills 11 people. (1)

April 22

Second explosion sinks rig.

May 2

BP starts drilling first intercept relief well.

May 7

BP lowers containment dome over leaking wellhead, but methane hydrate crystals clog tube and the attempt fails. (2)

May 12

Research vessel Pelican finds data that suggest a giant underwater oil plume.

May 15

EPA approves subsurface use of dispersants.

May 16

BP inserts tube into riser to siphon off a small part of leaking oil and gas.

May 17

Drilling of a second relief well begins. (3)

May 19

Order to restructure Minerals Management Service is signed.

[+]Enlarge
Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

May 20

EPA directs BP to find less toxic and more effective dispersants.

May 26

EPA calls for reduction in dispersant use and says it will look for an alternative.

May 27

U.S. Geological Survey estimates leak to be 17 million to 39 million gal, making it the worst oil spill in U.S. history; Obama announces freeze on new exploratory drilling activities; and MMS head S. Elizabeth Birnbaum resigns. (4)

[+]Enlarge
Credit: Newscom
Credit: Newscom

May 29

Attempt to plug well with drilling mud fails.

June 3

BP cuts pipe from well, lowers containment cap onto it, and begins to funnel oil. (5)

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.