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Fallout over oil-dispersants used in gulf
WASHINGTON, Government documents show the use of chemical dispersants to combat the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill was approved in virtually routine fashion.
An analysis conducted by a congressional committee found each of the 74 requests to use the dispersants made within a 54-day period was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard -- despite concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals.
"BP carpet-bombed the ocean with these chemicals, and the Coast Guard allowed them to do it," said Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the House energy and environment subcommittee. "After we discovered how toxic these chemicals really are, they had no business being spread across the gulf in this manner."
Scientists say the dispersants may have broken up oil slicks before they reached the shoreline, however, they also can deplete life-giving oxygen below the surface of the gulf.
The Los Angeles Times said the Environmental Protection Agency was largely relegated to the sidelines in the decision-making process for much of the summer as the well blow-out raged unabated.
Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the commander of the response to the leak, told the Washington Post the number of waivers granted for dispersant use dropped sharply as time wore on. He also said the dynamic nature of the crisis at the time required him and his team to trust the judgment of the people on the scene who were making the requests.
WASHINGTON, Government documents show the use of chemical dispersants to combat the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill was approved in virtually routine fashion.
An analysis conducted by a congressional committee found each of the 74 requests to use the dispersants made within a 54-day period was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard -- despite concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals.
"BP carpet-bombed the ocean with these chemicals, and the Coast Guard allowed them to do it," said Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the House energy and environment subcommittee. "After we discovered how toxic these chemicals really are, they had no business being spread across the gulf in this manner."
Scientists say the dispersants may have broken up oil slicks before they reached the shoreline, however, they also can deplete life-giving oxygen below the surface of the gulf.
The Los Angeles Times said the Environmental Protection Agency was largely relegated to the sidelines in the decision-making process for much of the summer as the well blow-out raged unabated.
Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the commander of the response to the leak, told the Washington Post the number of waivers granted for dispersant use dropped sharply as time wore on. He also said the dynamic nature of the crisis at the time required him and his team to trust the judgment of the people on the scene who were making the requests.