View source for Timeline of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (July 2010)

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Timeline of the ''Deepwater Horizon'' oil spill (July 2010)}}
Following is a '''timeline of the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill|''Deepwater Horizon'' oil spill]] for July 2010''' .
==Events prior to June==
{{main|Timeline of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill}}
==June 2010==
{{main|Timeline of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (June 2010)}}
==July 1–5==
[[File:Noaa-projection-deepwater.png|thumb|NOAA projections issued July 2 on probability of oil coming ashore]]
*July 1
** Total estimated discharge since the start reaches {{convert|140600000|USgal|m3|sigfig=2}} – topping {{convert|140|e6USgal|m3|adj=on}} [[Ixtoc I oil spill]] that was the previous biggest in the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|first1=Tom|last1=Breen|first2=Seth|last2=Borenstein|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9GMDT2G0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702110446/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9GMDT2G0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2010 |title=The Associated Press: BP spill hits a somber record as Gulf's biggest |access-date=2010-07-01}}</ref>
** Senate Republicans agree to lift [[secret hold]] that [[Jim DeMint]] placed to block legislation giving [[subpoena]] powers to the [[National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling|National Commission on the BP ''Deepwater'' Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling]]. Wesley Denton, DeMint's spokesman, says, ""Senator DeMint does not and will not have an objection to this legislation…He simply objected on behalf of other senators who had not been given time to review the bill. Now that they've had time to review it, it seems no one has an objection."<ref>{{cite news |last=Sargent |first=Greg |date=2010-07-01 |title=The Plum Line - Good: Senate GOP will lift block on subpoena power against BP |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/07/senate_gop_will_do_right_thing.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630232017/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/07/senate_gop_will_do_right_thing.html |archive-date=2011-06-30 |access-date=2010-07-01 |work=The Washington Post |publisher=}}</ref>
** [[Kenneth Feinberg]] tells the [[House Small Business Committee]] that tourist-related businesses may not be able to collect from the fund set aside to pay damages. "If there's no physical damage to the beaches and it's a public perception, I venture to say that it is not compensable," he testifies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clifford |first=Catherine |date=2010-06-30 |title=Kenneth Feinberg: Not every oil spill claim will get paid |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/06/30/smallbusiness/kenneth_feinberg/ |access-date=2010-07-01 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>
** The supertanker ''[[A Whale]]'', belonging to [[TMT Shipping]] of [[Taiwan]] arrives at [[Boothville, Louisiana]].  It is billed at the "world's largest skimmer."  It reports it can skim {{convert|21000000|USgal|m3|sigfig=2}} a day – 250 times the capacity of the fishing boats being used.  It is awaiting approval to be used.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robert |last=Holland |url=http://socialmediaseo.net/2010/07/01/a-whale-skimmer/ |title=BP Oil Spill Update – A Whale Skimmer Arrives |publisher=Socialmediaseo.net |date=2010-05-26 |access-date=2010-07-01}}</ref>
** [[Hurricane Alex (2010)|Hurricane Alex]] is downgraded to tropical storm and comes ashore in Mexico.  510 skimmers have been sent into port.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Broder |first=John M. |last2=Robbins |first2=Liz |date=2010-07-01 |title=Storm Continues to Hinder Work on Oil Spill |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/us/02spill.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
** [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] and [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] establish recommendations for using respirators.  They are particularly recommended for those where oil is being burned and voluntarily recommended elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-07-01 |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Use Of Respirators for Responders |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/731603/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705101042/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/731603/ |archive-date=2010-07-05 |access-date=2010-07-05 |publisher=Deepwater Horizon Response}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2010-06-25 |title=Interim Guidance for Protecting Deepwater Horizon Response Workers and Volunteers - NIOSH |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/oilspillresponse/protecting/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707112053/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/oilspillresponse/protecting/ |archive-date=2010-07-07 |access-date=2010-07-05 |publisher=CDC}}</ref>
** BP issues cards to employees and contractors telling them they are free to talk to the press.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-07-01 |title=Reiterates Media Access Policy &#124; Press release |url=http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063384 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705064518/http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063384 |archive-date=2010-07-05 |access-date=2010-07-05 |publisher=BP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-01 |title=BP Press Guidelines |url=https://www.piersystem.com/posted/1927/BPMediaAccessPolicy.729563.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218015805/https://www.piersystem.com/posted/1927/BPMediaAccessPolicy.729563.pdf |archive-date=2010-12-18}}</ref>
*July 2
** [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] issues models of the probability of oil coming a shore based on historical winds and currents.  The model show that Texas has a 1% chance of getting hit but that [[Florida Keys]], [[Miami, Florida]], and [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]] areas have a greater probability (61%–80%) due to the potential influence of the [[Loop Current]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-02-05 |title=Deepwater Horizon: Statistical Modeling |url=http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/dwh.php?entry_id=815 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705114916/http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/dwh.php?entry_id=815 |archive-date=2010-07-05 |access-date=2010-07-02 |publisher=Office of Response and Restoration – NOAA's National Ocean Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2010-07-02 |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; NOAA Models Long-Term Oil Threat to Gulf and East Coast Shoreline |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/732603/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702210901/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/732603/ |archive-date=2010-07-02 |access-date=2010-07-02 |publisher=Deepwater Horizon Response}}</ref>
** Allen says that number of skimmers in the Gulf should increase from 550 to 750 by mid-July and more by August.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-07-02 |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Admiral Allen Highlights Fivefold Increase in Skimmers Since Early June |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/733383/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702210930/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/733383/ |archive-date=2010-07-02 |access-date=2010-07-02 |publisher=Deepwater Horizon Response}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-02 |title=FACT SHEET: Skimmers |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/Skimmers_Fact_Sheets.716959.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710070315/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/Skimmers_Fact_Sheets.716959.pdf |archive-date=2010-07-10 |publisher=Deepwater Horizon Response}}</ref>
** Allen says that Hurricane Alex delayed the deployment of the Helix Producer and they are now on track for it to come online on July 7 allowing collection of up to {{convert|53000|oilbbl|m3|sigfig=2}} a day with the existing cap.  A second vertical riser is being installed and it is hoped will go into operation by July 15.  For everything to function a new cap will have to be installed.  Allen reports an autonomous sub-sea dispersant delivery system has been proposed by BP for delivering disperants in case a hurricane forces the recovery operations to be suspended.  The proposal is pending authorization.  Allen says the options in case the relief wells do not work are establishing pipelines to production facilities up to 5 miles (8&nbsp;km) away and then pumping it back down into the reservoir.  Another option is to simply continue to pump oil out of the well if the cap is successful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/733403/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Press Briefing by National Incident Commander July 2, 2010 |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-02}}</ref>
** [[Paul Zukunft]] says impact of Alex’s seven foot waves impacting the well site and that 50 percent of the overflights were canceled. The A Whale begins trials.<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse1">{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/734335/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Press Briefing by Rear Adm. Paul Zukunft on Current Weather, its Effect on Oil Spill Response |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA) trailers used in [[Hurricane Katrina]] are reported to be being used by BP to house employees.  The Katrina trailers had issues with contamination from [[formaldehyde]] and had rules about their reuse.  They do not have the serial numbers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12750654 |title=Are FEMA trailers being used to house cleanup workers? - WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA &#124; |publisher=Wafb.com |date=2010-06-30 |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>  Zukunft says they are not the Katrina trailers.<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse1"/>
** ''New York Times'' reports on [[Camp Hope]] in [[Arabi, Louisiana]] which was being used for rebuilding from [[Hurricane Katrina]].  BP has spent $600,000 on renovations to house 300 oil spill personnel.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/us/03land.html In a Refuge Haunted by Katrina, BP Swirls In - ''New York Times'' - July 2, 2010]</ref>
**Study by researchers from the [[Imperial College London]] published in [[Water Research]] says that oil interferes with the "ocean's natural filtration system, allowing [[arsenic]] levels to build up and threatens the long-term health of marine plants and animals."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-02/oil-spills-raise-ocean-s-arsenic-level-create-toxic-time-bomb-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705123922/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-02/oil-spills-raise-ocean-s-arsenic-level-create-toxic-time-bomb-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 5, 2010 |title=Oil Spills Raise Ocean's Arsenic Level, Create 'Toxic Time Bomb' |publisher=BusinessWeek |date=2010-07-02 |access-date=2010-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/32413/20100702/oil-raises-arsenic-levels-in-water.htm |title=Study: Oil Means More Arsenic In Seawater - International Business Times |publisher=Ibtimes.com |date=2010-07-02 |access-date=2010-07-14}}</ref>
*July 3
** Unified Command issues press release which says, "The risk of weathered oil and tar balls from the ''Deepwater Horizon''/BP oil spill coming to the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys remains low under current ocean and wind conditions. NOAA's long-term projection model released yesterday focused on the possible long-term shoreline threats and not on current wind and ocean conditions in the Gulf of Mexico...The model considers conditions that are typical for this time of year to evaluate the long-term likelihood of threats to different shorelines. Current conditions, especially given the absence of a significant amount of ''Deepwater Horizon''/BP oil from the loop current, indicate that immediate threats to the Florida Keys, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas remain low."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/736627/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; CLARIFICATION on the Current Threat to Florida Peninsula and Florida Keys from Deepwater Horizon/BP Oil Spill |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
*July 4
** Don Ballard, the operations director for the Grand Isle branch of the Unified Command, says in a press release, "There is a long-term treatment plan for Grand Isle which includes the collection and washing of oiled sand including buried oil...Part of this plan includes collecting and storing oiled sand in piles for later cleaning. At no time has clean sand been used by clean-up crews to cover or bury oil or oiled sand."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/736907/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Unified Command surveys, repairs boom damaged by heavy weather |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** The facility to treat oily birds at [[Fort Jackson, Louisiana]] is moved to [[Hammond, Louisiana]] to avoid hurricane complications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/737703/ |title=Unified Command For The Bp Oil Spill &#124; Fort Jackson Bird Rehabilitation Center To Be Relocated To More Secure, Fit-For-Purpose Building In Hammond, La |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** The Unified Command issues a press release noting that its exclusion zone around booms is to protect the booms from damage and not to exclude press.  "These 20-meter zones are only slightly longer than the distance from a baseball pitcher's mound to home plate.  This distance is insignificant when gathering images. In fact, these zones, which do not target the press, can and have been opened for reporters as required.   It is unfortunate that the safety zones are needed at all, but the responsibility of officials is to wage the most effective and safest response possible while best supporting factual and open reporting. That will continue until BP caps its leaking well and the cleanup is complete."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/737751/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Statement on concerns about recently enacted safety zones |publisher=Piersystem.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** Unified Command releases story 10-year-old Ian Masson who raised $445 in a "Pennies for Pelicans" campaign in Michigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/731239 |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Fourth Grader Inspired to Help Pelicans in the Gulf |publisher=Piersystem.com |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
*July 5
** BP says the spills outright cost is $3.12 billion and that so far it has received 95,000 claims and made around 47,000 payments.  It says it has collected or flared {{convert|585400|oilbbl|m3}}, skimmed {{convert|673497|oilbbl|m3}} and had control burns of  {{convert|238000|oilbbl|m3}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bp-oil-spill-costs-reach-312-billion-2010-07-05 |title=BP oil spill costs reach $3.12 billion |publisher=MarketWatch |date=2010-05-07 |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** Weather Service predicts wave heights of 3 to {{convert|6|ft|m}} through July 8.  Helix Producer cannot connect with heights greater than 3 feet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-05/six-foot-waves-may-stall-new-bp-oil-collection-effort-this-week.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100708163819/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-05/six-foot-waves-may-stall-new-bp-oil-collection-effort-this-week.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2010 |title=Six-Foot Waves May Stall New BP Oil-Collection Effort This Week |publisher=BusinessWeek |date=2009-12-08 |access-date=2010-07-05}}</ref>
** Unified Command reports 1,000 Heavy Oil Recovery Devices (HORD) being manufactured in [[Pensacola, Florida]] and [[Bayou La Batre, Alabama]] are expected to come online within the next few weeks.  The device was invented by Gerry Matherne to deal with the unique situation in the Gulf.  Previous skimmers focused on surface oil whereas the current oil is degraded to peanut butter-consistency and is floating 12 to 18&nbsp;inches below the surface.  The device is described as "A mesh bag held open by a {{convert|3|ft|m|adj=on}} by {{convert|3|ft|m|adj=on}} aluminum frame and is dragged through the water by shrimp boats put into service as oil skimmers. The cage-like device scoops up surface oil and sheen, as well as the thick oil lurking beneath the surface of the water."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/738983/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; New Heavy Oil Recovery Device Improves Oil Recovery Efforts in the Gulf, Brings Work to Local Shipyards and Machine Shops |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
** Small amounts of tarballs wash ashore on the [[Bolivar Peninsula]], northeast of [[Galveston, Texas]] and on Galveston Island, itself.  This is the first report of tarballs in Texas.<ref>{{cite web|author=(UKPA) &ndash; 2 hours ago |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gM4_Y2q_FhUYHzQpPuz8Dj6nl04A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710194425/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gM4_Y2q_FhUYHzQpPuz8Dj6nl04A |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |title=The Press Association: Spill tar balls turn up in Texas |access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
** Oil is reported at [[Rigolets]], raising fears it will hit [[Lake Pontchartrain]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wdsu.com/mostpopular/24148757/detail.html |title=Tar Balls Reach Rigolets, Threaten Lake Pontchartrain |publisher=WDSU |date=2010-07-05 |access-date=2010-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308220507/http://www.wdsu.com/mostpopular/24148757/detail.html |archive-date=March 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
** Shokri Ghanem, chairman of [[National Oil Corporation]] urges the [[Libyan Investment Authority]] to increase its share of BP because "BP shares are good value for bargain hunters."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/libyan-investors-target-bargain-value-bp-shares-2019297.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220508/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/libyan-investors-target-bargain-value-bp-shares-2019297.html |archive-date=2022-05-08 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Libyan investors target 'bargain value' BP shares - Business News, Business |newspaper=The Independent |date= 2010-07-06|access-date=2010-07-06 | location=London | first=Alistair | last=Dawber}}</ref>
** Tests on the A Whale prove inconclusive because of high waves.<ref>{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Semansky|agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/whale_of_a_skimmer_not_ready_t.html |title=Whale of a skimmer not ready to attack Gulf oil after weekend of testing |publisher=NOLA.com |access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
** [[National Hurricane Center]] says there is a 60 percent chance that a  disorganized, low-pressure system could develop into a [[tropical Storm Bonnie (2010)|tropical storm]] before moving inland July 5 or 6.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/05/gulf.oil.disaster/?hpt=Sbin |title=Tar balls from Gulf disaster reach Lake Pontchartrain, shores of Texas |publisher=CNN |date= 2010-06-03|access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
** U.S. Navy Blimp [[American Blimp MZ-3]] deployed to [[Jack Edwards National Airport]] in [[Gulf Shores, Alabama]].  It is to be moored 3 miles (5&nbsp;km) southeast of the [[Mobile Bay]] shoreline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/live/2010/07/us_navy_sends_airship_to_assis.html |title=U.S. Navy sends airship to assist oil spill response &#124; al.com |publisher=Blog.al.com |access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
** [[Barclays PLC]], [[BNP Paribas SA]], [[Citigroup Inc.]], [[Banco Santander SA]], [[HSBC Holdings PLC]], [[Royal Bank of Canada]], [[Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC]] and [[Société Générale]] are reported preparing a plan to give BP a $9 billion [[standby letter of credit]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Dean |first=Carol |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704535004575348873317451584 |title=BP Oil Spill Loan Rises to $9 Billion |work=WSJ.com |date= 2010-07-06|access-date=2010-07-06}}</ref>
**''New York Times'' reports that ''[[The Economist]]'' magazine is involved in a [[photo manipulation]] controversy over its altering a [[Reuters]] photo taken by Larry Downing on May 28, of Barack Obama with [[Lafourche Parish, Louisiana]] president Charlotte Randolph and Coast Guard Admiral [[Thad Allen]] on the beach in front an oil rig. In the edited photo Randolph and Allen were removed, with Obama shown looking downward, and the beach debris he was originally looking at was also cropped. The photo was used on the June 19 ''Economist'' cover with the headline "Obama v. BP".  Emma Duncan, deputy editor of ''The Economist'', responded "I asked for Ms. Randolph to be removed because I wanted readers to focus on Mr. Obama, not because I wanted to make him look isolated. That wasn't the point of the story. "The damage beyond the spill" referred to on the cover, and examined in the cover leader, was the damage not to Mr. Obama, but to business in America."  <ref>{{cite news|last=Peters |first=Jeremy W. |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/on-the-economists-cover-only-a-part-of-the-picture/ |title=On The Economist's Cover, Only a Part of the Picture - Media Decoder Blog - NYTimes.com |publisher=Mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com |date= 2010-07-05|access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref>
==July 6–10==
[[File:Discoverer-inspiraton-fleet.jpg|thumb|''Discoverer Inspiration'' delivers the cap the spill on July 10. In the background are the ''Discoverer Enterprise'', the ''Deepwater Driller II'', and the ''Helix Producer I'']]
*July 6
** BP shares jump 6.5% in one day after it announces it will not issue more shares.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/as-bp-rules-out-stock-sale-its-shares-rise/ |title=As BP Rules Out Stock Sale, Its Shares Rise - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com |location=Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates);Gulf of Mexico;Kuwait;Singapore |publisher=Dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com |date= 2010-07-06|access-date=2010-07-07}}</ref>
** [[Helix Energy Solutions Group]] CEO Owen Kratz says BP waited 6 weeks until June 10 before accepting an offer to use [[Helix Producer I]] at the spill.  The Producer has a larger capacity than the ''[[Deepwater Horizon]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctpost.com/business/article/At-a-Glance-BP-dawdled-in-accepting-help-from-567504.php |title=At a Glance: BP dawdled in accepting help from Helix - Connecticut Post |publisher=Ctpost.com |access-date=2010-07-07}}</ref>
*July 7
**New website [http://www.restorethegulf.gov/ RestoreTheGulf.gov] to replace [http://deepwaterhorizonresponse.com deepwaterhorizonresponse.com] as the official federal government website for the spill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/761339/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Administration Launches New, Centralized, Streamlined Oil Spill Response Website |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref>
**Allen says Development Driller III is within {{convert|15|ft|m}} horizontally of the wellbore but wants to intercept it another 200 to {{convert|225|ft|m}} further down.<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse2">{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/763147/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref>
**Allen says Helix Producer is partially connected and should go into operation by July 10.<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse2"/>
**CNN reports that BP may have to pay the U.S. 18.75%  royalties for oil coming gushing out of the well.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hargreaves |first=Steve |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/07/07/news/companies/bp_royaties/ |title=BP may pay for wasted oil - Jul. 7, 2010 |publisher=Money.cnn.com |date= 2010-07-07|access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref>
**Criticism erupts over [[Bobby Jindal]] plan to build rock islands off the Louisiana coast from scientists and government officials who say it would disrupt the ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/WN/bp-oil-spill-louisiana-governor-bobby-jindal-plan/story?id=11111136 |title=BP Oil Spill: Plan Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal Supports Draws Criticism from Federal Government and Scientists - ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=2010-07-07 |access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref>
*July 8
**[[United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit]] in 2-1 vote refuses to overturn oil drilling moratorium in [[Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC v. Salazar]].  Administration says it will issue a new moratorium.  [[Alliance for Justice]] reports that two of the appeals justices Jerry E. Smith and [[W. Eugene Davis]] had represented the oil and gas industries while in private practice.  It reported that the third justice [[James L. Dennis]] who dissented had investments in at least 18 energy companies valued at between $31,000 and $300,000.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/us/09drill.html Court Rejects Moratorium on Drilling in the Gulf - nytimes.com - July 8, 2010]</ref>
**Nevada Senate candidate [[Sharron Angle]] tells [[KXNT (AM)|KXNT]] she was wrong in calling BP oil's $20 billion victims' compensation program "a slush fund," backtracking just hours after her widely criticized remark.<ref>{{cite web|first=Philip |last=Elliott |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gZSdBZclTt83SfnXrekX2qhNhpvwD9GR8JJ01 |title=The Associated Press: GOP candidate: BP relief program is 'slush fund' |date=2010-06-08 |access-date=2010-07-09}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
**CNN reports BP is becoming increasingly stringent with its demands for documentation from victims filing claims for lost wages and income.<ref>{{cite news|first=Catherine |last=Clifford |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/07/08/smallbusiness/bp_claims_process/ |title=BP gets stricter with claims for July payments |publisher=Money.cnn.com |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-07-09}}</ref>
**[[Bob Dudley]] tells the ''Wall Street Journal'' "In a perfect world with no interruptions, it's possible to be ready to stop the well between July 20 and July 27."  He cautioned that hurricanes could change that schedule.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/07/08/2010-07-08_bp_oil_spill_well_could_be_fixed_by_late_july_managing_directory_bob_dudley_says.html |title=BP oil spill well could be fixed by late July, managing directory Bob Dudley says in interview |publisher=Nydailynews.com |date= 2010-07-08|access-date=2010-07-11 | location=New York | first=Sean | last=Alfano}}</ref>
**Allen says that now is a weather window between tropical storms that would permit replacing the cap with a new cap that would be securely fasten to the blowout preventer that would be capable of capturing all of the oil believed to be coming out of the well.  The cap would serve the existing rigs plus Helix Producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/767103/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript - Press Briefing by National Incident Commander July 8, 2010 |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-09}}</ref>
**Allen sends letter to Dudley asking for a detailed timeline on the cap and contingency plans in case it fails.<ref>[http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/BP_letter_8_July_1_.766283.pdf Letter from Thad Allen to Bob Dudley – July 8, 2010]</ref>
*July 9
**BP says it will replace the cap on the gusher on July 10.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 9, 2010  |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bp-to-remove-well-cap-to-install-new-one-2010-07-09 |title=BP to remove well cap to install new one |publisher=MarketWatch |access-date=2010-07-09}}</ref>
**BP reports [[2-butoxyethanol]] was detected at levels up to 10 parts per million (ppm) in more than 20 percent of offshore responders and 15 percent of those near shore.<ref>{{cite news|first=Elana |last=Schor |agency=Greenwire |url=https://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/07/09/09greenwire-new-bp-data-show-20-of-gulf-spill-responders-e-82494.html |title=New BP Data Show 20% of Gulf Spill Responders Exposed to Chemical That Sickened Valdez Workers |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2010-06-15 |access-date=2010-07-09}}</ref>
**Anadarko informs BP that it is withholding the $272 million it was billed for the spill.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhJCQ8I1T2tbJ8W1B27DKasY40CwD9GRK7303 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713004348/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhJCQ8I1T2tbJ8W1B27DKasY40CwD9GRK7303 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |title=The Associated Press: Anadarko tells BP it won't help pay for oil spill |access-date=2010-07-09}}</ref>
**[[Democratic National Committee]] sets up website  [http://www.bprepublicans.com/ BPRepublicans.com] in the wake of Angle's comments.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Michael |url=http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/107829-dem-website-targets-bp-republicans |title=Dem website targets 'BP Republicans' - The Hill's E2-Wire |publisher=Thehill.com |access-date=2010-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711090705/http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/107829-dem-website-targets-bp-republicans |archive-date=2010-07-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**Authorities say the Texas tarballs reported July 5 were not from the BP spill.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tresaugue |first=Matthew |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/deepwaterhorizon/7101817.html |title=Origins of Texas tar balls remain a mystery &#124; ''Deepwater Horizon'' &#124; Chron.com - ''Houston Chronicle'' |publisher=Chron.com |access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref>
*July 10
**Old cap removed from well at 12:37&nbsp;p.m. CDT in preparation for a new cap.  Oil is expected to flow unabated into the Gulf for 48 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chippewa.com/news/local/article_c6783b24-8c58-11df-b7dc-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story |title=BP: Cap on gushing well removed, oil flows freely |publisher=Chippewa.com |access-date=2010-07-11}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
**[[Paul Zukunft]] to replace  [[James A. Watson]] as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (the third coordinator since the spill)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/771619/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Admiral Paul Zukunft to Assume Role of Federal On-Scene Coordinator |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-11}}</ref>
**Reports indicate an unexpected crushed second pipe is in the [[blowout preventer]].  The pipe is believed to have either been blown up and fallen down in the initial explosion on the rig.  Its presence prevented the shears from severing the riser from the well and closing it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/sc-dc-oil-spill-pipes-20100626,0,3996660.story |title=Gulf oil spill: Second pipe might have crippled well's defense mechanism |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2010-06-29 |access-date=2010-07-11 | first=Jim | last=Tankersley}}</ref>
==July 11–15==
[[File:Deepwater-sealing-cap.jpg|thumb|New sealing cap]]
*July 11
**''[[Discoverer Inspiration]]'' delivers the new cap to the site and ''Discoverer Enterprise'' moves off its site above the leak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/bp_makes_progress_on_new_cappi.html |title=BP makes progress on new capping system |publisher=NOLA.com |access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsfuzion.com/2010/07/11/bps-latest-progress-on-capping-leaking-oil-pipe/ |title=BP's Latest Progress On Capping Leaking Oil Pipe |publisher=newsFuzion |access-date=2010-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717001202/http://newsfuzion.com/2010/07/11/bps-latest-progress-on-capping-leaking-oil-pipe/ |archive-date=2010-07-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**[[National Center for Atmospheric Research]] and [[University of Hawaii at Manoa]] release studies saying that if the spill continues to September 17 oil could reach the Carolinas, Georgia and Northern Florida by October 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Salkever |first=Alex |url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/intel-supercomputers-say-bp-oil-spill-will-spread-up-the-east-co/19549464/ |title=Intel, University of Hawaii Supercomputers Say BP Oil Spill Will Spread Up the East Coast |publisher=DailyFinance |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref>
**BP reported to be in contact with [[Apache Corporation]] to sell its Alaska oil fields.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/auth/login?URI=/2010/07/12/business/global/12bp.html BP Is Said to Explore Asset Sale - New York Times - July 11, 2010]</ref>
**[[BP]] (38%), [[China National Petroleum Corporation]] (37%) and  Iraq's South Oil Co. (25%) sign contract for operation and management of the [[Rumaila oil field]] in [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BT-CO-20100711-704631 |title=CNPC,BP Take Over Iraqi Rumaila Field, Target 10% Output Hike - WSJ.com |date= 2010-07-11|access-date=2010-07-12 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
*July 12
**Three ram capping stack  installed on the ''Deepwater Horizon'' LMRP at 7 p.m. CDT (0000 GMT). The stack completes the installation of the new 40-ton containment device sealing cap.  Tests begin on testing well integrity.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063637 |title=Capping Stack Installed on MC252 Well |publisher=Bp.com |access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hays |first=Kristen |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66849C20100713 |title=BP installs bigger cap on ruptured Gulf wellhead |publisher=Reuters |date= 2010-07-13|access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref>
**Helix Producer begins containment procedures and then is disconnected to allow tests of the new cap.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
**Salzar issues a new moratorium until November 30 on deepwater wells that use a [[blowout preventer]].  It is different from the one stayed on June 21 in that it does not specify water depth but rather specifies the type of equipment.  The suspension tells "BOEM to direct the suspension of any authorized drilling of wells using subsea or surface BOPs on a floating facility... cease the approval of pending and future applications for permits to drill wells using subsea or surface BOPs on a floating facility."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doi.gov/news/doinews/Secretary-Salazar-Issues-New-Suspensions-to-Guide-Safe-Pause-on-Deepwater-Drilling.cfm |title=Secretary Salazar Issues New Suspensions to Guide Safe Pause on Deepwater Drilling |publisher=Doi.gov |access-date=2010-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714075153/http://www.doi.gov/news/doinews/Secretary-Salazar-Issues-New-Suspensions-to-Guide-Safe-Pause-on-Deepwater-Drilling.cfm |archive-date=2010-07-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&PageID=38349 |title=Q and A's New Deepwater Drilling Suspensions - deepwaterhorizonresponse.com - July 12, 2010 |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714222243/http://www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&PageID=38349 |archive-date=July 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&PageID=38375 |title=Decision Memorandum from Kenneth Salara to Michael Bromwich - doi,gov - July 12, 2010 |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714201542/http://www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon/loader.cfm?csModule=security%2Fgetfile&PageID=38375 |archive-date=July 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
**Florida panhandle hotels roll out a campaign saying they will issue refunds "if the beaches or water are deemed inaccessible by local officials."<ref>{{cite news|last=Yu |first=Roger |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2010-07-13-oilspilltourism13_ST_N.htm |title=Gulf Coast hotels roll out oil-free beach guarantees |publisher=Usatoday.Com |date= 2010-07-13|access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref>
**[[National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling|National Commission on the BP ''Deepwater Horizon'' Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling]] begins two days of hearings at the [[Hilton New Orleans Riverside]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oilspillcommission.gov/ |title=National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling &#124; |publisher=Oilspillcommission.gov |date=2010-05-22 |access-date=2010-07-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712223806/http://www.oilspillcommission.gov/ |archive-date=2010-07-12 }}</ref>
**Dave Valentine of [[UC Santa Barbara]] and [[Christopher M. Reddy|Chris Reddy]] of the [[Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute]] wrote concerning increased elevation of methane near the well "total quantity of methane and other hydrocarbons is enough to cause problems with the regional ecosystem, there is no plausible scenario by which this event alone will cause global-scale extinctions."  The article also notes that Permiamn event lasted a millennium and was not an overnight event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.com/5585294/methane-bubble-doomsday-story-debunked |title=Methane bubble "doomsday" story debunked |publisher=Io9.com |date=2010-07-12 |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
*July 13
**BP delays a test to see if the cap can be fully closed to shut off the well.  BP wants to further evaluate the well environment to make sure that if it shuts the valve it does not cause the well to erupt through the sea floor because it is unknown if the wellbore is compromised.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100713-704785.html |title=AT A GLANCE: BP Prepares Attempt To Cap Gulf Oil Spill - WSJ.com |date=2010-07-13 |access-date=2010-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716131236/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100713-704785.html |archive-date=July 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Colleen |last1=Long |first2=Harry R. |last2=Weber |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9GUNE780 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717013132/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9GUNE780 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2010 |title=The Associated Press: Gulf oil to keep flowing while cap is analyzed |access-date=2010-07-14}}</ref>
**[[MOEX Offshore 2007]] LLC refuses to pay $111 million BP has billed it.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris |last=Kahn |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hbcOnChs9DK4m1dn8Xo_wMYg8xtAD9GUD5PG4 |title=The Associated Press: BP partner refuses to help pay for Gulf spill |access-date=2010-07-14}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
**Administration bills BP $99.7 million for clean up operations.  This is the fourth bill.  BP paid $122.3 million in the three earlier bills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/780663/ |title=The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717132048/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/780663 |archive-date=July 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/us/14cap.html Oil Still Spilling as Well Test Is Delayed - nytimes.com - July 13, 2010]</ref>
**New York Senators [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] and [[Chuck Schumer]] and New Jersey Senators [[Robert Menendez]] and [[Frank Lautenberg]] ask [[Hillary Clinton]] of the [[United States State Department]] to investigate whether BP had a role in the 2009 British [[Release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi|decision to release]] to Libya of [[Abdelbaset al-Megrahi]] who was accused of participating in the [[Lockerbie bombing]].  BP subsequently entered a deal with Libya for oil in that country.  BP spokesman Mark Salt in replying to the news said that BP had in fact expressed concerns to the British government that a delay in the transfer "might have negative consequences for UK commercial interests, including ratification of BP's exploration agreement."  However the spokesman added that the transfer "was solely a matter for the Scottish Executive and not for the UK Government."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2010/07/probe-sought-of-bp-lockerbie-b.html#ixzz0ted1JKq9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717095453/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2010/07/probe-sought-of-bp-lockerbie-b.html |archive-date=2010-07-17 |title=Probe Sought of BP-Lockerbie Bomber Deal |publisher=Nydailynews.com |date=2010-07-13 |access-date=2010-07-14 |location=New York |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**The [[National Academy of Engineering]] appoints a panel to investigate the technical failures that resulted in the gulf oil spill in the "[http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=49246 project Analysis of Causes of the ''Deepwater Horizon'' Explosion, Fire, and Oil Spill to Identify Measures to Prevent Similar Accidents in the Future]." [[Donald C. Winter]], a former secretary of the Navy, will lead the group, which is to issue an interim report in October and a final report next year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=07122010b |title=News posting from NAE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/and-now-bring-on-the-engineers/ |title=Bring on the Engineers |publisher=NYT |date=13 July 2010 | first=Matthew L. | last=Wald}}</ref>
*July 14
**After the government approves test about 4 pm to see if the cap can be closed, containment vessels disconnect and oil flows freely into the Gulf as BP begins slowly closing the valves.<ref name="nytimes1">[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/us/16spill.html Leak Hampers BP Effort to Shut Off Well and Halt Spill -nytimes.com - July 15, 2010]</ref>
**BP and other energy companies with track records of safety violations would be barred from applying for new drilling permits under a proposal approved by the [[United States House Committee on Natural Resources]] on amendment to H.R. 3534, "Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009" offered by [[George Miller (California politician)|George Miller]].  BP is not named specifically but the amendment says, "Companies also must be able to certify that they were not assessed more than $10 million in civil penalties and criminal fines for violations of the [[Federal Water Pollution Control Act]] over the preceding seven years."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100714-709040.html |title=House Panel Votes to Keep BP From Obtaining Offshore Leases |work=WSJ.com |date=2010-07-14 |access-date=2010-07-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715040315/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100714-709040.html |archive-date=July 15, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chron.com/newswatchenergy/archives/2010/07/committee_appro.html |title=House committee approves plan to bar bad actors from drilling |publisher=Houston Chronicle |date=14 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=629&Itemid=27 |title=Natural Resources Committee Investigation of the ''Deepwater Horizon Oil'' Rig Explosion - house.gov - Retrieved July 15, 2010 |access-date=July 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722074618/http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=629&Itemid=27 |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
**The [[Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement]] (BOEM) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct on July 19–23, 2010 a third session of the Joint Investigation into the Deepwater Horizon Incident. This will be the third set of hearings, following two days of initial hearings May 11 and 12 and a second round May 26–29. Both sets of previous hearings featured tough questioning by the panelists and sometimes explosive testimony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/673367/ |title=Press Release |publisher=The Official Site of the Joint Investigation Team |date=2010-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/marine_board_investigation_of.html |title=Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement |publisher=nola.com |date=2010-07-14}}</ref>
*July 15
**At 5 am a leak is discovered and the test is halted while the leak is repaired.<ref>[http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/incident_response/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/kent_wells_technical_briefing_transcript_15_07_0730CDT.pdf Kent Wells Technical Briefing (transcript) - 15 July, 0730 CDT (pdf, 25KB)]</ref>  Between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm oil was cut off to the Q4000 and Helix Producer.  At 1:15&nbsp;p.m. the test on the new cap (effectively a smaller blowout preventer connected to the original damaged blowout preventer) closing the well begins.  At 2:25&nbsp;p.m. BP says that no flow of oil is going into the Gulf.  A successful test will show constant pressure of 8000 to 9000 psi in the cap and the well could effectively stop the spill.  If there are fluctuations the cap will be then divert oil to the containment ships until the relief well is put in place.<ref>[http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/incident_response/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/kent_wells_technical_briefing_transcript_15_07_1430CDT.pdf Kent Wells Technical Briefing July 15, 2010 2:30 p.m. CT]</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Suzanne Goldenberg, US environment correspondent |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jul/16/bp-oil-spill-leak-stopped |title=BP stops oil leak in Gulf of Mexico for first time since April &#124; Environment |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 2010-07-16|access-date=2010-07-16 | location=London}}</ref>
**Thad Allen cautions in a statement, "It remains likely that we will return to the containment process using this new stacking cap connected to the risers to attempt to collect up to 80,000 barrels of oil per day until the relief well is completed."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/770955/ |title=Unified Command for the BP Oil Spill &#124; Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on Well Integrity Test |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |date=2010-07-16 |access-date=2010-07-16}}</ref>
**[[Michael R. Bromwich]], director of Interior's [[Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement]] sends BP a letter informing it must report "oil and gas-related activities associated with the Macondo well using Form MMS-4054" Further he says per the [[Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act]] BP is required to pay royalties immediately for all oil and gas captured from the Macondo well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doi.gov/news/doinews/BP-Liable-for-Reporting-and-Royalties-on-Oil-and-Gas-from-Leaking-Well.cfm |title=BP Liable for Reporting and Royalties on Oil and Gas from Leaking Well |publisher=Doi.gov |date=2010-05-11 |access-date=2010-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715161013/http://www.doi.gov/news/doinews/BP-Liable-for-Reporting-and-Royalties-on-Oil-and-Gas-from-Leaking-Well.cfm |archive-date=2010-07-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==July 16–20==
[[File:Deepwater-july-contain.jpg|thumb|Diagram of ships in the "floating city" planned to be used for containment from mid-July on. The drawing was released on June 30 before the new sealed cap was established.]]
*July 16
**Kent Wells in his morning technical briefing reports ''[[Development Driller III]]'' has resumed its activities which had been suspended for the test.  Wells says pressure in the cap is 6,700 psi.  It needs to get to 8,000 psi or more to ensure there are no leaks.<ref>[http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/incident_response/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/kent_wells_technical_briefing_transcript_16_07_0730CDT.pdf Kent Wells Technical Briefing (transcript) - 16 July, 0730 CDT (pdf, 18KB) – bp.com – Retrieved July 16, 2010]</ref>
**Allen says that he is concerned about the low pressure in the containment cap but that it might be a sign of depletion rather than leaking of the well.  "This is generally good news…But we want to be careful not to do any harm or create a situation that could not be reversed."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/us/17spill.html Officials Call Results of Well Test Encouraging – nytimes.com – July 16, 2010]</ref>
**Wells in his afternoon briefing says the depletion scenario was one of the models being considered going into the test.  He adds  that the casing below the blowout preventer is the same temperature as surrounding sea water.  He notes that if oil were flowing it would be warmer.  He says the relief well is within {{convert|30|ft|m}} of its interception point.  It is now {{convert|5|ft|m}} horizontally from the wellbore.<ref>[http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/incident_response/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/kent_wells_technical_briefing_transcript_16_07_1730CDT.pdf Kent Wells Technical Briefing (transcript) - 16 July, 1730 CDT (pdf, 41KB) bp.com – Retrieved July 17, 2010]</ref>
** Zukunft says the [[A Whale]] supertanker/skimmer will not be used because following tests "after significant effort, the amount of oil recovered was negligible, and limited oil beyond a sheen was found in the cargo tank" and that the much smaller skimmers on scene were more agile and effective.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/789183/ |title="A Whale" Operational Review Completed &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720134800/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/789183 |archive-date=July 20, 2010 }}</ref>
**BP is reported offering signing bonuses and lucrative pay to prominent scientists to aid in its [[Natural Resources Damage Assessment]] defense.  According to the [[Press-Register]] BP is offering $250/hour.  The contract is purported to prohibit "the scientists from publishing their research, sharing it with other scientists or speaking about the data that they collect for at least the next three years"  and requires scientists "to agree to withhold data even in the face of a court order if BP decides to fight such an order. It stipulates that scientists will be paid only for research approved in writing by BP."  Researchers from [[Louisiana State University]], [[University of Southern Mississippi]] and [[Texas A&M]] are reported to have accepted offers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/live/2010/07/bp_buys_up_gulf_scientists_for.html |title=BP buys up Gulf scientists for legal defense, roiling academic community &#124; al.com |publisher=Blog.al.com |date=2010-07-16 |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
*July 17
**Allen says "When this test is eventually stopped, we will immediately return to containment, using the new, tighter sealing cap with both the Helix Producer and the Q4000. Additional collection capacity of up to 80,000 barrels per day is also being added in the coming days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/790363/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-18}}</ref>  Don Van Nieuwenhuise, director of Petroleum Geoscience Programs at the [[University of Houston]], says "Thad Allen wants to do containment because they want to find out what the real flow rate was...Unless they do something like that, they'll almost never be able to prove what the true flow rate was."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-17/bp-will-resume-oil-capture-after-well-tests-end.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721044821/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-17/bp-will-resume-oil-capture-after-well-tests-end.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 21, 2010 |title=BP Will Resume Oil Capture After Well Tests End |publisher=BusinessWeek |date=2009-12-08 |access-date=2010-07-18}}</ref>
*July 18
**Doug Suttles noting pressure is at 6,778 psi and there is no indication of leaks says BP plans to keep the cap closed at least until the relief well takes effect.<ref>[http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/incident_response/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/technical_briefing_transcript_18_07_0730CDT.pdf Doug Suttles Technical Briefing (transcript) - 18 July, 0730 CDT -bp.com Retrieved July 18, 2010]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/18/AR2010071800814.html |title=BP, federal officials confer on closed gulf oil well cap |work=Washingtonpost.com |date= 2010-07-19|access-date=2010-07-18 | first=David A. | last=Fahrenthold}}</ref>  Thad Allen says that the status is only a test and that there will be extensions only in 24-hour increments.  Allen said "nothing has changed about the joint agreement announced yesterday between BP and the US government. The ongoing well integrity test will continue until 4 p.m. EST today, with the potential for additional extensions in 24-hour increments. As a condition of the extension, the US government has required significant new monitoring and periodic evaluation and approval by our science team."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/790959/ |title=Statement by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen On Well Integrity Test &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723005308/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/790959/ |archive-date=July 23, 2010 }}</ref>
**Thad Allen late in the day sent a letter to Dudley telling him "Given the current observations from the test, including the detected seep a distance from the well and undetermined anomalies at the well...I direct you to provide me a written procedure for opening the choke valve as quickly as possible without damaging the well should hydrocarbon seepage near the well head be confirmed."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/BP_Letter_18_July.791571.pdf |title=Letter from Thad Allen to Bob Dudley - July 18, 2010 |access-date=July 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621123806/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/BP_Letter_18_July.791571.pdf |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*July 19
**Thad Allen says that a conference call between federal science team and BP officials gave the science team "the answers they were seeking and the commitment from BP to meet their monitoring and notification obligations."  He authorizes the test to continue another 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/791891/ |title=Statement by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722181453/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/791891 |archive-date=July 22, 2010 }}</ref>  Allen says that the reported leak two miles (3&nbsp;km) from the well "was a natural occurrence and not related to a pressure test to assess the well's condition"<ref name="nytimes2">[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/us/20oilspill.html BP Considers New Plan to Permanently Seal Well - ''New York Times'' - July 19, 2010]</ref>
**Kent Wells says BP is considering a "static kill" of the well using heavy mud bumped through the new cap in a process known as [[Well kill|bullheading]].<ref name="nytimes2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-19/bp-s-vidrine-transocean-s-wheeler-won-t-testify.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722173845/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-19/bp-s-vidrine-transocean-s-wheeler-won-t-testify.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |title=BP's Vidrine, Transocean's Wheeler Won't Testify |publisher=BusinessWeek |date=2009-12-08 |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-19/bp-well-boss-won-t-shed-light-on-cause-of-oil-spill.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720043919/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-19/bp-well-boss-won-t-shed-light-on-cause-of-oil-spill.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2010 |title=BP Well Boss Won't Shed Light on Cause of Oil Spill |publisher=BusinessWeek |date=2009-12-08 |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
**Zukunft reports 40,122 people; 5,640 vessels; and 116 aircraft (including a recently added [[Bombardier Dash 8]] from [[Icelandic Coast Guard]]) are deployed adding the "operational plan is based on the worst-case scenario."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/792103/ |title=Operational Update &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723110324/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/792103 |archive-date=July 23, 2010 }}</ref>
** The ''Deepwater Horizon'' joint investigation board concluded the first day of the third session of hearings into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, fire, pollution and sinking. The third session is being conducted with the focus on the "how" and the "why" (which might also be considered the "technical verification" phase). Witnesses were; W Stephen Bertone ([[Transocean]], Chief Engineer), Lance John ([[Weatherford International]], Rig System Specialist); Leo Linder (MI-Swaco, Drilling Fluid Specialist)<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/672775/ |title=Deepwater joint investigation board concludes 1st day in 3rd session of hearings |publisher=The Official Site of the Joint Investigation Team. |access-date=2010-07-19 }}</ref>  Bertone testified there were deferred maintenance projects on the rig and there was a "possibility that alarms and other crucial systems were bypassed or not functioning at the time of the explosion"  He testified the computer station where the rig's driller sits "had temporarily lost electrical power days before the blowout."  He said following the explosion he "heard no general alarm, there were no internal communications and no power to the engines, and none of the ''Deepwater Horizon''{{'}}s backup or emergency generators were working."  He said because there was no power workers could not engage the emergency disconnect system that would have halted the flow of oil from the wellhead.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cart |first=Julie |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-oil-spill-hearings-20100720,0,1569438.story |title=Deepwater Horizon engineer testifies about power failures before oil spill |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date= 2010-07-20|access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
**BP is accused of [[photo manipulation]] in a photo of its Highly Immersive Visualization Environment (HIVE) control room at the company's U.S. headquarters in [[Westlake Park (Houston)]].  The photo shows controllers in front of a bank of video screens with images of the Gulf.  [[John Aravosis]] of [[Americablog]] reported that the screens were photoshopped because they overlapped a controller's head.  Aravosis also noted [[Exif]] [[metadata]] [[time stamp]] of 2001.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aravosis |first=John |url=http://www.americablog.com/2010/07/bp-photoshops-fake-photo-of-command.html |title=AMERICAblog News: BP photoshops fake photo of crisis command center, posts on main BP site |publisher=Americablog.com |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref> Scott Dean, a spokesman for BP, released an original unaltered version of the photo and noted that three images were inserted into screens which were blank at the time. BP subsequently replaced the manipulated photo with the original with the three screens dark.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071905256.html |title=Altered BP photo comes into question |work=Washingtonpost.com |date= 2010-07-20|access-date=2010-07-20 | first=Steven | last=Mufson}}</ref>
*July 20
**Leo Lindner, a drilling fluid specialist for contractor MI-Swaco (a joint venture of [[Smith International]] and [[Schlumberger]]), testifies that more than {{convert|400|oilbbl|m3|sigfig=2}} of a combination of two chemicals used for flushing drilling mud and commonly called "spacer fluid" was poured into the well in the hours before the explosion.  The quantity was twice the usual amount and was done to take "advantage of an exemption in an environmental law that otherwise would have prohibited it (BP) from discharging the hazardous waste into the Gulf of Mexico."  A fluid resembling it which was described as "[[Nasal mucus|snot]]" rained down on the rig after the explosion.  Ronnie Penton, an attorney for one of the rig workers, said the fluid skewed the pressure test before BP approved a plan to use lighter sea water rather than heavy mud in the plan to temporarily seal the well.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/20/AR2010072002038.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=David S. | last=Hilzenrath | title=Before rig explosion, BP pumped chemical mixture into well, contractor says | date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
**[[Florida House of Representatives]] votes 67–44 to adjourn a special session thus not approving Constitutional ban on drilling backed by [[Charlie Crist]].  State law already bans drilling.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN2026932020100720 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723163856/http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN2026932020100720 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-07-23 |title=Florida lawmakers block move on oil drilling ban &#124; Energy & Oil &#124; Reuters |publisher=Af.reuters.com |date=2009-02-09 |access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref>
** The ''Deepwater Horizon'' joint investigation board concluded the second day of the third session of hearings. Witnesses were; Ronald Sepulvado - BP, Well Site Leader, Ross Skidmore - BP, Subsea Well Supervisor, Lee Lambert - BP, Well Site Trainee.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/673647/ |title=Updated Witness List - July 20, 2010 |publisher=The Official Site of the Joint Investigation Team |access-date=2010-07-21 }}</ref> Testimony at investigative hearings in Kenner on Tuesday 20th showed that time after time in the days and weeks leading to its April 20 oil well blowout, BP eschewed safer options and chose more dangerous ways to handle its difficult Macondo oil well.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/safety_fell_to_speed_on_doomed.html |title=Safety fell to speed on doomed Gulf oil rig, testimony shows |publisher=NOLA.com |date=2010-07-21 }}</ref>
** The ''Deepwater Horizon'' joint investigation hearing for Wednesday, July 21, 2010 was cancelled as the four Transocean witnesses scheduled to testify declined to voluntarily appear at the hearings. The work area of these four was the [[Blow Out Preventer]] and they have supervisory functions.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/672859/ |title=Third day cancelled as four Transocean witnesses declined to voluntarily appear |publisher=The Deepwater Horizon joint investigation |access-date=2010-07-20 }}</ref>
**[[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] [[David Cameron]] after meeting Obama at the White House tells reporters in the [[East Room]] says, "On BP, which we discussed at some length, I completely understand the anger that exists right across America.  The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a catastrophe -- for the environment, for the fishing industry, for tourism.  I've been absolutely clear about that.  And like President Obama, I've also been clear that it is BP's role to cap the leak, to clean up the mess, and to pay appropriate compensation...Equally, of course, BP is an important company to both the British and the American economies.  Thousands of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic depend on it.  So it's in the interest of both our countries, as we agreed, that it remains a strong and stable company for the future."<ref name="whitehouse1">{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-obama-and-prime-minister-cameron-united-kingdom-joint-press-avail |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |title=Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom in Joint Press Availability &#124; The White House |via=[[NARA|National Archives]] |access-date=2010-07-23}}</ref>
**Cameron in response to the discussion about whether BP was involved in a deal in the Lockerbie bombing case he says, "And let us not confuse the oil spill with the Libyan bomber. I've been absolutely clear about this right from the start, and in our meeting we had what we call a "violent agreement," which is that releasing the Lockerbie bomber, a mass murderer of 270 people, the largest act of terrorism ever committed in the United Kingdom, was completely wrong ... That wasn't a decision taken by BP; it was a decision taken by the Scottish government.  We have to accept that under the laws of my country, where power on certain issues is devolved to Scotland, this was a decision for the Scottish Executive, a decision that they took.<ref name="whitehouse1"/> Cameron also met with the four U.S. senators who sent a letter questioning the release.  Senator Schumer says after the meeting, "The best news that we came out with was that the Prime minister said our request for an independent investigation -- not just a look at the documents -- was still on the table."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/122422/schumer--investigation-into-lockerbie-bomber-s-release--on-the-table-/ |title=Schumer: Investigation Into Lockerbie Bomber's Release 'On The Table' |publisher=NY1.com |date=2010-03-30 |access-date=2010-07-23 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
==July 21–25==
*July 21
** [[ExxonMobil]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], [[ConocoPhillips]] and [[Shell plc|Shell]] commit $1 billion to create a rapid-response system to deal with deepwater oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, seeking to restore public confidence in the industry .<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/business/energy-environment/22response.html?ref=us |title=4 Oil Firms Commit $1 Billion for Gulf Rapid-Response Plan |publisher=NYT |date= 2010-07-21|access-date=2010-07-21 }}</ref>
** The ''Deepwater Horizon'' joint investigation at Kenner, La heard testimonies from Natalie Roshto - Transocean, Widow of Shane Roshto, John Guide - BP, Well Team Leader, providing information on well design, Shane Albers - BP, Subsea Engineer, providing information on procedures for seal assembly and lock-down rig.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/673691/ |title=Updated Witness List - July 22, 2010 |publisher=The Official Site of the Joint Investigation Team |date=2010-07-23 }}</ref>
*July 22
** Allen directs ships and personnel to leave the area as [[Tropical Storm Bonnie (2010)|Tropical Storm Bonnie]] approaches.  This includes suspending the relief wells and abandoning temporarily the static kill proposal on the new cap.  Allen directs that the ROVs are to be the last to leave and first to return so the well can be monitored.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/818767/ |title=The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811002116/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/818767/ |archive-date=August 11, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/818671/ |title=Statement by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on Tropical Storm Bonnie &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726131047/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/818671 |archive-date=July 26, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/802471/ |title=Severe Weather Response Plan in Place for Oil Spill Response &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811010201/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/802471/ |archive-date=August 11, 2010 }}</ref>
**NOAA reopens {{convert|26388|sqmi|km2|sigfig=4}} of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational fishing—one third of the total closed area.  The area is {{convert|220|mi|km}} from the wellhead, along the west Florida shelf.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/802739/ |title=NOAA to Re-open One-Third of Closed Gulf Fishing Area &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725190223/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/802739 |archive-date=July 25, 2010 }}</ref>
* July 23
** The ''Deepwater Horizon'' joint investigation hearing at [[Kenner, Louisiana]] hears testimonies from Mike Williams - Transocean, Chief Engineer Tech, providing information regarding the gas detection system and general alarm system. John R. Smith - Consultant, Subject Matter Expert, providing information on the operations for 24-hours prior to the Deepwater incident, Tyrone Benton - [[Oceaneering International]], ROV Technician, providing information on the leaks associated with BOP stack. Transcripts of hearings will be available on the Deepwater Investigation Web site approximately three weeks after the conclusion of each set of hearings.  Documents discussed during the hearings will be available when the final report is released in January 2011. A fourth session is tentatively scheduled to take place August 23–27, 2010 in Houston, Texas<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/821855/ |title=Updated Witness List - July 23, 2010 |publisher=The Official Site of the Joint Investigation Team |date=2010-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727122720/http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/821855 |archive-date=July 27, 2010 }}</ref>
**The two relief wells detach and pull up risers which are in 40 to {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=on}} sections that are disassembled and put on deck of the drilling rigs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/820131/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript - Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen - July 23, 2010 |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref><ref name="abcnews1">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/07/michelle-obama-cracks-the-bubbly-for-us-coast-guard-ship-christening-.html |title=Michelle Obama Cracks the Bubbly for U.S. Coast Guard Ship Christening - Political Punch |publisher=Blogs.abcnews.com |access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref>
**[[USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752)]] christened in [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]] by [[Michelle Obama]] who takes two whacks to crack the champagne bottle across the bow.  She praises the Coast Guard response saying "They come from all over the country to help with the largest response of its kind in American history."<ref name="abcnews1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/820823/ |title=The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |date=2010-06-19 |access-date=2010-07-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811082351/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/820823/ |archive-date=August 11, 2010 }}</ref>
*July 24
**[[Kenneth Feinberg]] says BP has not placed any money in $20 billion escrow account.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/live/2010/07/feinberg_bp_hasnt_put_money_in.html |title=Feinberg says BP hasn't put money in escrow account yet &#124; al.com |publisher=Blog.al.com |access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref>
**BP says an internal investigation has cleared itself of gross negligence in the spill and will publish the findings in the next month.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tim |last=Webb |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jul/25/bp-oil-spill-sole-blame |title=BP acquits itself of sole blame for gulf spill after internal inquiry &#124; Environment &#124; The Observer |publisher=Guardian |date= 2010-07-25|access-date=2010-07-25 | location=London}}</ref>
**Allen says two vessels stayed at the scene during Bonnie which was weaker than expected has left.<ref name="Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/821719/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript – Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref>
**Allen says plans are proceeding for "static kill" through the new cap.<ref name="Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com"/>
* July 25
** Bonnie has been downgraded to a disorganized area of low pressure<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/3043/673711/ |title=The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill |publisher=www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |date=2010-07-25 }}</ref>
**Allen reports temperature in the cap is 40F, a sign of stability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/822531/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript – Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref>
==July 26–31==
*July 26
**BP expert say the environmental impact from the spill might be small and marshes could recover by Spring 2011. .<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse3">{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/829055/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript – Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com |access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref>
*July 27
**Towing vessel ''Pere Ana C'' pushing the barge Captain Beauford collides with Louisiana-owned oil and natural gas rig C177 in the northern part of [[Barataria Bay]] south of [[Lafitte, Louisiana]].  {{convert|6,000|ft|m}} of boom are placed around rig while it is evaluated.<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gonAAuLIs1MtuQfVABirO-ZTqR4A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730042007/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gonAAuLIs1MtuQfVABirO-ZTqR4A |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 30, 2010 |title=AFP: US scrambles emergency teams to new Gulf oil leak |access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref>
**Allen says static kill from the top is scheduled to begin August 2. .<ref name="deepwaterhorizonresponse3"/>
**BP board formally announces that [[Bob Dudley]] will replace Tony Hayward as BP CEO effective October 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100728/OPINION01/7280302 |title=Dudley BP's choice to lead oil giant &#124; hattiesburgamerican.com |publisher=Hattiesburg American |access-date=2010-07-28}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063976 |title=CEO Tony Hayward to Step Down and be Succeeded by Robert Dudley &#124; Press release |publisher=BP |access-date=2010-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728232352/http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063976 |archive-date=2010-07-28 }}</ref>
**BP takes pretax charge of $32 billion to cover damages, business claims and cleanup costs over the next several years from costs associated with the spill.  The charge will save it $10 billion in taxes.<ref>{{cite news|last=King |first=Neil |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703292704575393640168030582 |title=BP Seeks Tax Cut on Cleanup Costs |work=WSJ.com |date= 2010-07-28|access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bp.com/extendedgenericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7063921 |title=Second quarter 2010 results &#124; Press releases |publisher=BP |access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref>
*July 28
**Ron LaBrec of the Coast Guard tells [[Center for Public Integrity]] that responders to the initial fire on the ''Deepwater Horizon'' used saltwater rather than retardant foam and this may have contributed to the rig's sinking.  "We have expertise in fighting a fire on board our vessels, but since firefighting is not one of our missions, we do not train for rig fires and that has really been the responsibility of the rig owner and operator," LaBrec said.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38449354 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913044548/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38449354/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2012-09-13 |title=Inquiry asks: Did fire crews cause BP rig to sink? - TODAYshow.com |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
*July 29
**Allen says the Q4000 has been retrofited to pump mud rather than collect oil. Allen says it would take a "catastrophic event" to go back to collecting oil at the site and that it would take a few days to bring Helix Producer I and Discoverer Enterprise back online to collect oil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/834471/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript – Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com  |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
*July 30
**[[Jane Lubchenco]], NOAA Administrator, says that as long as the cap remains closed studies show that "Southern Florida, the Florida Keys and the East Coast are not likely to experience any effects from the remaining oil on the surface of the Gulf as the oil continues to degrade and is hundreds of miles away from the [[Loop Current|loop current]]."  The study notes a large loop current [[Eddy current|eddy]], called Eddy Franklin, has pinched off and detached from the loop current keeping the oil from hitting the Keys and Florida east coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/835719/ |title=NOAA: Gulf's Surface Oil Not a Threat to Southern Florida, Keys, and East Coast &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803005948/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/835719 |archive-date=August 3, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100730_threat.html |title=NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA: Gulf's Surface Oil Not a Threat to Southern Florida, Keys and East Coast |publisher=Noaanews.noaa.gov |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
**Allen says clearing out debris in the well could delay starting the topkill one day until August 3.<ref name="dwhr">{{cite web|url=http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/836559/ |title=Unified Command for the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Transcript – Press Briefing by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen |publisher=Deepwaterhorizonresponse.com  |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
**Allen says plans are being reviewed for retrieving 11 million feet of oil booms.<ref name="dwhr"/>
**Well pressure is at 6,969 psi and temperature is 40F.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/836927/ |title=The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill &#124; Restore the Gulf |publisher=App.restorethegulf.gov |access-date=2010-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803064829/http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/836927/ |archive-date=August 3, 2010 }}</ref>
**Dudley says the clean up operation could begin to be scaled back.  He also praises Hayward for having the decency to stand down "just when things are starting to go right".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7920085/BPs-evaporating-oil-slick-leaves-America-without-a-villain.html |title=BP's evaporating oil slick leaves America without a villain |newspaper=Telegraph |date= 2010-07-31|access-date=2010-07-31 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=(Press-Register/Bill Starling) |url=http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2010/07/bp_announces_scaling-back_of_c.html |title=BP announces scaling-back of coast cleanup efforts (with video) &#124; gulflive.com |publisher=Blog.gulflive.com |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
*July 31
**Alan says a new government flow rate estimate is going to be issued.<ref name="bloomberg1">{{cite news|last=Klimasinska |first=Katarzyna |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-31/bp-macondo-oil-well-kill-delayed-because-of-gulf-of-mexico-storm-debris.html |title=BP Macondo Oil Well 'Kill' Delayed Because of Gulf of Mexico Storm Debris |publisher=Bloomberg |date= 2010-07-31|access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
**BP announces plans to sell offshore gas and oil fields in Vietnam and Pakistan.<ref name="bloomberg1"/>
**[[Wirtschaftswoche]] reports BP is looking to sell its German gas station system [[Aral AG]] to either the French company [[Total S.A.]] or the Russian company [[Rosneft]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Andreas |last=Wildhagen |url=http://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen-maerkte/bp-bietet-aral-zum-verkauf-437135/ |title=Ölkonzerne: BP bietet Aral zum Verkauf - WirtschaftsWoche |publisher=Wiwo.de |access-date=2010-07-31}}</ref>
==August 2010==
*[[Timeline of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (August 2010)]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Deepwater}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Deepwater Horizon, Timeline 2010-07}}
[[Category:Deepwater Horizon oil spill|Timeline 2010-07]]