Another Gulf disaster waiting to happen

[Racket_Man]

I did not want to side-track the Gulf Oil Disaster thread, but consider this little article I found..

http://www.aolnews.com/gulf-oil-spil...ulf%2F19544629

Time-bomb waiting to happen.

[HYHYBT]

I still don't quite understand why they'd abandon a well that still had oil in it, or how one that *didn't* would leak. "Permanently" abandon, I mean; closing some when prices are down I get.

[Greenday]

Maybe the production of them has slowed down so it's not worth the investment.

[Wingates_Hellsing]

In addition, it's also probable that a few locations proved difficulties with logistics or stability.

[tabbyblack13]

Many wells are abandon because they are not producing enough to make it worth the investment anymore. You can make a well produce more with various techniques but they cost money.

This doesn't surprise me. I doubt they even do inspections on them. There is always the potential for an old well to blow out, its just a matter of time. Now if they the holes were plugged with cement properly then there should be concern. The thing is it has to be done properly. I doubt that has happened.

If it is a temporary cap then there is a much bigger chance of failure. This is due to the cap being designed to be drilled through with a regular drill bit. The temp cap is designed to be weaker then a permanent cap.