By attaching a mile-long pipe to its leaking well, BP is now able to slurp off 1,000 barrels of oil daily. The Gulf of Mexico spill currently emits about 5,000 barrels of oil per day, according to BP/Coast Guard/NOAA estimates, which have been challenged by independent scientists who put the figure more at 70,000 barrels per day, and criticized BP for using methodology specifically not recommended for measuring large oil spills. BP’s response: we’re here to stop the oil, not measure it. Scientists are also concerned that the oil could reach a major stream that would ferry it into the Florida Keys and up the East Coast. Looks like we’re gonna need a bigger milkshake straw.

BP Capturing About One-Fifth of Oil Leaking in Gulf [BusinessWeek]
BP hopes to siphon up to half of oil in Gulf [AP]
Gulf Spill May Far Exceed Official Estimates [NPR]
Size of Oil Spill Underestimated, Scientists Say [NYT]

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BP’s Oil Cap Misses, Crude Still Spews
BP Sending Massive Funnel To Contain Oil Spill

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