The issue currently existing with the 'hydrates' is an issue ALSO inherent to methane.
The 'methane clathrate' at the site is causing the issue with the extraction of the oil. It is my opinion the entire field in this location is heavily laden with methane and this will be a continuing problem regardless of any plans to stop the leak. Another well head won't make any difference either.
The reason there are three holes rather than one is because of the continued instability with the methane field that has been cut loose now that there is a breech to the field.
The 'methane clathrate' at the site is causing the issue with the extraction of the oil. It is my opinion the entire field in this location is heavily laden with methane and this will be a continuing problem regardless of any plans to stop the leak. Another well head won't make any difference either.
The reason there are three holes rather than one is because of the continued instability with the methane field that has been cut loose now that there is a breech to the field.
This is NOT an oil site, this is a methane field. The reason the oil is rushing out with such force is because it is under high pressure from the methane gas. The issues that BP is encountering with this field is going to continue to be an issue for its entire existence.
While there are other geological issues that accompany 'gushers' there is a gas component that is like a propellant. The high content of methane at this site will continue to cause real problems. I don't believe it will ever be a 'safe' field to drill.
No drill site is usually compromised by escaping oil under high pressure with high level of methane in the area as well. To continue to believe this is a manageable site is ridiculous and completely foolish.
The coastal costs are not prudent to continue this charade. The Petroleum Industry has no interest in the coastal economy of the Gulf Coast and it will continue to experiment with solutions while the oil continues to surface and the danger to regional and global circulation becomes greater and greater.
BP should cut its losses and allow the USA Navy to formulate a solution to this crisis.
This is not going to resolve with conventional methods.
The reason the deaths occurred may have been ACCOMPANIED by lack of application of industry standards, but, there is a lot more at work here than simply industry negligence and poor practice. We are looking at an industry in the sunset of its existence and willing to take chances with life and 'content' in order to find some sort of profitability when in fact it should have been shut down a decade or more ago.
The entire crisis is related to the 'denial' by the West to come to terms with its dependence on fossil fuels. It is time to end it and bring this tragedy to a close.
It is an unmanageable emergency and needs to be brought to an end.
