Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

Per Admiral Landry: The well is still flowing

1. The estimated flow rate is 1000 BOPD.  This is a very rough estimate.
2. Apparently the flow never stopped and oil is leaking from the end of the riser which is strewn just above the seafloor.  The flow was detected during an ROV search over the length of the riser.
3. The Deepwater Horizon is on the seafloor 1300 feet NW of the well site.
4. The oil is relatively light which should facilitate natural evaporation and dispersion.

Thoughts:  Given the absence of confirmation that BOPE have been actuated, yesterday’s “no flow” announcement was more surprising than today’s “still flowing” announcement.  While the new flow rate figure is a very rough estimate, the Admiral seems confident that flow is substantially reduced.  This could be attributable to the head (about 0.465 psi/fit)  imposed by 5000′ of seawater and the crimping of the riser pipe.  Also, given the apparent uncertainty about the BOPE, it is also possible that a BOP ram has been actuated but the well bore has not been completely sealed.