Deepwater Horizon oil spill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Deepwater Horizon oil spill
As seen from space by the Terra satellite on 24 May 2010
Location	Macondo Prospect (Mississippi Canyon Block 252), in the North-central Gulf of Mexico, United States (south of Louisiana)
Coordinates	28°44′17″N 88°21′58″W / 28.73806°N 88.36611°W / 28.73806; -88.36611
Date	20 April – 19 September 2010 (4 months, 4 weeks and 2 days)
Cause
Cause	Wellhead blowout
Casualties	11 people killed 17 people injured
Operator	Transocean under contract for BP
Spill characteristics
Volume	4.9 million barrels (210,000,000 U.S. gallons; 780,000 cubic meters) ±10%
Area	2,500 to 68,000 sq mi (6,500 to 176,100 km2)

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was a huge environmental disaster. It started on April 20, 2010, off the coast of the United States in the Gulf of Mexico. This happened at the Macondo Prospect, where BP was operating. It is known as the biggest oil spill in ocean history. The amount of oil spilled was much larger than the previous record holder, the Ixtoc I oil spill.

The disaster began after a terrible explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform. The United States government estimated that about 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled into the ocean. After many tries to stop the oil, the well was finally sealed on September 19, 2010. Even in 2012, some oil was still leaking from the site. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is one of the largest environmental disasters ever.

A massive effort began to protect beaches, wetlands, and estuaries from the spreading oil. Crews used special ships, floating barriers called booms, controlled fires, and 1.84 million gallons of oil dispersant. The spill lasted for months and caused a lot of harm to ocean animals, plants, and the fishing and tourism businesses. In Louisiana, cleanup crews worked on 55 miles of shoreline throughout 2013. Over 4.9 million pounds of oily material were removed from beaches in 2013. Oil was found as far away as the waters off the Florida panhandle and Tampa Bay. Scientists said the oil and dispersant mixture was stuck in the sand there. In April 2013, reports showed that dolphins and other marine life continued to die in record numbers. Baby dolphins were dying much more often than usual. A 2014 study found that tuna and amberjack exposed to the oil developed serious heart and organ problems that could be deadly. Another study found that many animals exposed to the oil had heart damage.

Many investigations looked into what caused the explosion and the huge spill. A U.S. Government report in September 2011 pointed to problems with the cement in the well. It blamed mostly BP, but also the rig operator Transocean and contractor Halliburton. Earlier in 2011, a White House commission also blamed BP and its partners. They said BP made decisions to save money and didn't have good enough safety plans. The commission also concluded that the spill came from bigger problems in how the oil industry worked and how the government watched over it. They warned that such disasters could happen again without big changes.

In November 2012, BP and the United States Department of Justice reached a settlement. BP admitted to serious mistakes and faced major legal consequences, including large fines. BP also agreed to have its safety practices watched by the government for four years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) temporarily stopped BP from getting new contracts with the U.S. government. BP and the Department of Justice agreed to pay a record-setting $4.525 billion in fines and other payments. In September 2014, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that BP was mainly responsible for the spill. He said BP was being very careless and making risky choices. In April 2016, BP agreed to pay $20.8 billion in fines. This was the biggest payment ever for environmental damage in U.S. history. By 2018, the company had spent over $65 billion on cleanup, fines, and other costs.

What Happened?

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig

The Deepwater Horizon was a 10-year-old semi-submersible drilling rig. It was a mobile, floating rig that could stay in place using special technology. It could drill in waters up to 10,000 feet deep. A South Korean company built it, and Transocean owned it. The rig was registered in the Marshall Islands and BP rented it from March 2008 to September 2013.

The rig was drilling a very deep well, about 18,360 feet below sea level, in water about 5,100 feet deep. This well was in the Macondo Prospect in the Gulf of Mexico, about 41 miles off the Louisiana coast. BP was in charge of the project, owning 65% of it. Other companies, Anadarko Petroleum and MOEX Offshore 2007, owned the rest.

The Explosion and Sinking

On April 20, 2010, around 7:45 PM, high-pressure methane gas from the well shot up into the rig. It caught fire and exploded, covering the platform in flames. Eleven workers went missing and were sadly believed to have died. Ninety-four crew members were saved by lifeboats or helicopters. Seventeen of them needed medical help for their injuries. The Deepwater Horizon rig sank on the morning of April 22, 2010.

How Much Oil Spilled and Where Did It Go?

The oil leak was found on April 22, 2010. A huge oil slick started spreading from where the rig had been. Oil poured out for 87 days. BP first thought only 1,000 to 5,000 barrels were leaking each day. But experts later estimated it was actually about 62,000 barrels daily. In total, about 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled. This made it the biggest accidental oil spill in the world.

BP disagreed with the higher numbers. They said the government was overestimating the amount. However, emails from 2013 showed that BP's own employees had similar high estimates. BP also argued that the official numbers didn't count the 810,000 barrels of oil that were collected or burned.

Satellite pictures showed the oil covered about 70,000 square miles of ocean. This is as big as the state of Oklahoma! By June 2010, oil reached 125 miles of Louisiana's coast. It also hit the shores of Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. Oily sludge was found in waterways and on popular beaches like Pensacola Beach. Later in June, oil appeared in Mississippi for the first time. By July, sticky tarballs were found on Grand Isle and near Lake Pontchartrain. In September, more oil covered 16 miles of Louisiana's coast and marshes. By October, even Texas saw some of the oil.

By July 2011, about 491 miles of coastline in four states were still oily. A total of 1,074 miles had been affected since the spill started. By December 2012, cleanup was still happening on 339 miles of coastline. Besides the oil, thousands of tons of harmful hydrocarbon gases were also released into the air.

Scientists worried about large clouds of oil spreading underwater. Researchers said these deep oil clouds would likely stay in the northern Gulf of Mexico. They could also cause long-term problems by reducing oxygen in the water. Two weeks after the well was capped on July 15, 2010, the oil on the surface seemed to disappear. But a lot of oil remained hidden underwater. Some reports said half the oil was still underwater. Others estimated it was as much as 75%. This meant over 100 million gallons (2.4 million barrels) of oil stayed in the Gulf.

In January 2011, tar balls and oily patches were still seen on beaches and in wetlands. Oil was also found deep offshore in the mud. By April 2012, oil was still on 200 miles of Louisiana's coast. Tar balls kept washing up on islands. In 2013, scientists believed up to one-third of the oil mixed with deep ocean mud. This could harm ocean life and fishing for a long time.

Over 4.6 million pounds of "oiled material" were removed from Louisiana's coast in 2013. Even in 2013, small amounts of oil and tar balls were still found daily on Alabama and Florida beaches. Regular cleanup patrols stopped, but crews still responded to reports of oil. At first, people thought oil didn't reach Tampa Bay, Florida. But a 2013 study found oil mixed with chemicals 80 miles off that coast. Researchers said this oil might have caused sores on fish caught there.

Stopping the Oil Spill

Early Attempts to Stop the Leak

First, BP tried to close the well's safety valves using underwater robots. It didn't work. Next, they put a huge 125-ton dome over the biggest leak. But it failed because cold water and gas formed icy crystals that blocked the dome. They also tried pumping heavy mud into the well to stop the oil, called "top kill." This also failed.

BP then put a special tube into the pipe to collect oil and gas. The gas was burned, and the oil was stored on a ship. This tube collected 924,000 gallons of oil. On June 3, 2010, BP removed the damaged pipe and covered the well with a cap. On June 16, a second system started collecting oil and gas directly from the well. The U.S. government estimated that these caps were capturing less than half of the leaking oil. On July 10, the cap was removed to put on a better-fitting one. Mud and cement were also pumped into the well, but this didn't work either. A final device was created to attach a larger chamber to the well. On July 15, this device was secured, and the valves were slowly closed. This stopped the oil flow temporarily.

The Well is Finally Sealed

Transocean's Development Driller III started drilling a relief well on May 2, 2010. Another rig, GSF Development Driller II, started drilling a second relief well on May 16, 2010. On August 3, 2010, drilling mud was pumped into the well. Pumping continued for eight hours until the well was stable. On August 4, BP began pumping cement from the top, sealing that part of the well forever.

On September 3, 2010, the broken safety device was removed from the well. A new one was installed. On September 16, the relief well reached its target. Cement was then pumped in to seal the well. On September 19, 2010, the National Incident Commander, Thad Allen, announced the well was "effectively dead." He said it no longer threatened the Gulf.

Continued Leakage Concerns

Even after the well was sealed, oil slicks were reported in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Scientists confirmed that this oil matched the oil from the Macondo well. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) initially said the oil was too spread out to collect. But they later warned BP and Transocean that they might have to pay for cleaning up this new oil.

In October 2012, BP said they found and plugged a leak from the old containment dome. In December 2012, the USCG checked underwater. They found no oil coming from the wells or the wreckage. The source of the new oil remained unknown.

In January 2013, BP continued to investigate where the oil was coming from. Chemical tests suggested it might be leftover oil leaking from the wreckage. If so, the oil would eventually disappear. Another idea was that oil was escaping from deep underground through cracks. This could mean an endless release of oil. However, the oil slick was small, similar to natural oil seeps, and not an immediate threat to wildlife.

Cleanup Efforts

The main ways to deal with the spill were to contain it, break it up, and remove it. In summer 2010, about 47,000 people and 7,000 vessels worked on the project. By October 3, 2012, the government had spent $850 million on the response, mostly paid back by BP. By January 2013, 935 people were still working. By then, cleanup had cost BP over $14 billion.

About 4.9 million barrels of oil were released from the well, and 4.1 million barrels went into the Gulf. A report said that "75% [of oil] has been cleaned up by Man or Mother Nature." However, only about 25% of the oil was actually collected or removed. About 75% of the oil remained in the environment. In 2012, a scientist named Markus Huettel said that while some oil broke down or evaporated, at least 60% was still missing.

In May 2010, local people started a network for volunteers to help clean beaches. Boat captains could offer their boats to help clean and stop the oil from spreading. Many locals were disappointed with BP's slow response. This led to the creation of groups like The Florida Key Environmental Coalition, which helped with the cleanup.

Containing the Oil

Over 4.2 million feet of containment booms were used. These were floating barriers to trap oil or protect sensitive areas like marshes and fishing grounds. Booms extended 18 to 48 inches above and below the water. They only worked well in calm, slow-moving waters. In total, 13.3 million feet of booms were used. People criticized booms because they sometimes washed ashore with the oil or let oil escape in rougher waves.

A plan was made to build barrier islands to protect Louisiana's coast. This plan was criticized for being expensive and not very effective. Some said the decision was political, not scientific. The EPA worried that the booms could harm wildlife.

For a time, a group called Matter of Trust asked hair salons, dog groomers, and sheep farmers to donate hair, fur, and wool clippings. These were stuffed into pantyhose to help soak up oil near the shore. This method had been used before, like after the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Using Corexit Dispersant

The spill was also known for the huge amount of Corexit oil dispersant used. The ways it was applied were "purely experimental." In total, 1.84 million gallons of dispersants were used. Of this, 771,000 gallons were released directly at the wellhead, deep underwater. This had never been tried before. BP, the USCG, and EPA decided to use it because the spill was so big. Over 400 flights sprayed the dispersant. While dispersants were called "the most effective and fast moving tool," their use is still being studied.

A 2011 analysis showed that the dispersant could contain cancer-causing agents and other harmful chemicals. Environmental scientists worried that dispersants made the oil spill more toxic. This increased the danger to animals like sea turtles and bluefin tuna. The dangers were even greater when poured into the source of the spill, as they spread through the Gulf. BP and federal officials said dispersant use stopped after the cap was in place. However, some reports suggested Corexit use continued after that date.

A manual for Corexit 9527 said it was an "eye and skin irritant." It warned that too much exposure could harm red blood cells, kidneys, or the liver. It also said it could cause "central nervous system effects, nausea, vomiting," among others. The manual advised, "Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing" and "Wear suitable protective clothing." For Corexit 9500, similar warnings were given. However, reports showed that cleanup workers were not given this manual or the protective gear.

Corexit EC9500A and Corexit EC9527A were the main types used. These were not the least toxic or most effective dispersants approved by the EPA. But BP said they chose Corexit because it was available quickly. On May 19, the EPA told BP to choose less toxic options. BP said no other products met all their needs for availability, safety, and effectiveness. On May 24, the EPA ordered BP to reduce dispersant use by 75%. BP reduced use by only 9%. On August 2, 2010, the EPA said dispersants did no more harm than the oil itself. They said dispersants stopped a lot of oil from reaching the coast. However, some scientists still worried about this approach.

Injecting Corexit underwater may have created the oil clouds found below the surface. Because dispersants were used deep down, much of the oil never reached the surface. One oil cloud was 22 miles long, over 1 mile wide, and 650 feet deep. Experts were concerned about how slowly the oil was breaking down in the cold, 40°F water at depths of 3,000 feet.

In late 2012, a study found that Corexit used during the spill made the oil 52 times more toxic. Scientists concluded that mixing oil with dispersant increased harm to ecosystems and made the spill worse.

Removing the Oil

The three main ways to remove oil from the water were burning it, filtering it offshore, and collecting it. The USCG said 33 million gallons of oily water were recovered, including 5 million gallons of oil. BP said 826,800 barrels had been recovered or burned. About 5% of the leaked oil was burned, and 3% was skimmed. On the busiest day, 47,849 people worked on the response. Over 6,000 marine vessels, 82 helicopters, and 20 airplanes were involved.

From April to mid-July 2010, 411 controlled fires burned about 265,000 barrels of oil. These fires released small amounts of toxins, including cancer-causing dioxins. The EPA said the amount released was not enough to cause an added cancer risk to workers.

Oil was collected from the water using skimmers. In total, 2,063 different skimmers were used. For offshore work, over 60 open-water skimmers were deployed. EPA rules said skimmers could not leave more than 15 parts per million of oil in the water. Many large skimmers went over this limit. Because Corexit was used, the oil was too spread out to collect easily. In mid-June 2010, BP ordered 32 machines that separate oil and water. Each machine could extract up to 2,000 barrels of oil per day. By June 28, these machines had removed 890,000 barrels of oil.

After the well was capped, cleaning the shore became the main job. Sandy beaches and marshes were the two main types of affected coast. On beaches, workers sifted sand, removed tar balls, and dug out oily mats. For marshes, they used vacuums, low-pressure washes, cut vegetation, and used bioremediation.

Oil-Eating Microbes

Dispersants are thought to help microbes digest oil. However, studies on this had mixed results for the Deepwater Horizon spill. Mixing dispersants with oil at the wellhead would keep some oil underwater. In theory, this would let microbes digest the oil before it reached the surface. Scientists worried that more microbial activity might lower oxygen levels underwater. This could harm fish and other animals.

Several studies suggested that microbes successfully ate some of the oil. By mid-September, other research claimed that microbes mainly digested natural gas, not oil. David L. Valentine, a professor, said that the ability of microbes to break down the oil was greatly exaggerated. However, another scientist, Chris Reddy, said natural microorganisms were a big reason why the spill wasn't much worse.

Genetically modified Alcanivorax borkumensis microbes were added to the waters to speed up digestion.

Access and Information

During the spill response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a 900 square mile temporary flight restriction zone. This was to prevent other planes from getting in the way of aircraft helping with the cleanup. Only authorized flights were allowed.

Local and federal authorities, citing BP's authority, sometimes stopped journalists from documenting the spill. This happened from the air, from boats, and on the ground. Access was blocked to areas that were open to the public. In some cases, photographers were only allowed with BP officials escorting them. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard stopped Jean-Michel Cousteau's boat and only let it go after confirming no journalists were on board. A CBS News crew was also denied access to oily beaches. They were told, "This is BP's rules, not ours." Some members of Congress criticized these restrictions on journalists.

The FAA denied that BP employees made decisions on flights. They said the FAA and Coast Guard made those choices. The FAA admitted that media access was limited to hired planes or helicopters, arranged through the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard and BP denied having a policy to restrict journalists. They said media members had been with authorities since the beginning, with over 400 embeds on boats and aircraft. They also said they wanted to provide information while keeping everyone safe.

Cleanup Continues

On April 15, 2014, BP announced that cleanup along the coast was mostly finished. The United States Coast Guard continued to use physical barriers like floating booms to stop oil from spreading. Cleanup workers used skimmer boats to remove most of the oil. They also used sorbents, which are like sponges, to soak up any leftover oil. Although this didn't remove all the oil, chemicals called dispersants were used to help the oil break down faster. This prevented more damage to marine habitats underwater. For the Deepwater Horizon spill, cleanup workers used 1.4 million gallons of various chemical dispersants.

The state of Louisiana received money from BP to regularly test fish, shellfish, water, and sand. Early tests often found detectable levels of a chemical used in the cleanup. Testing reported in 2019 for pollutants did not show results.

The Deepwater Horizon spill caused great suffering for marine life. Thousands of animals were visibly covered in oil. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park rescued animals to help them. However, many animals were found dead.

Impact on the Environment

The spill area is home to 8,332 species. These include over 1,270 types of fish, 218 birds, 4 sea turtles, and 29 marine mammals. Between May and June 2010, the spill waters had 40 times more harmful chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than before the spill. PAHs are often linked to oil spills and can cause health risks to humans and marine life. The PAHs were most concentrated near the Louisiana Coast. Levels also increased in areas off Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. PAHs can directly harm marine species. Also, microbes that eat the oil can reduce oxygen levels in the ocean. The oil contained about 40% methane, which is much higher than typical oil. Methane can suffocate marine life and create "dead zones" where there is no oxygen.

A 2014 study on bluefin tuna found that toxins from oil spills can cause irregular heartbeats, leading to heart failure. The study called the spill area "one of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world." It found that even small amounts of PAHs could cause heart damage in many species. Another study in March 2014 found that tuna and amberjack exposed to oil from the spill developed heart and organ problems. These problems would likely be deadly or shorten their lives. Scientists said their findings would likely apply to other large fish and even humans. BP responded that the oil levels in the study were rarely seen in the Gulf. However, The New York Times reported that the study contradicted BP's statement.

The oil dispersant Corexit was released underwater in huge amounts. The goal was to make it easier for natural microbes to break down the oil. This caused oil that would normally rise to the surface to mix into tiny droplets. It then stayed suspended in the water and on the sea floor. The oil and dispersant mixture entered the food chain through tiny ocean creatures called zooplankton. Signs of this mix were found under the shells of baby blue crabs. A study of insects in coastal marshes also found a big impact. Chemicals from the spill were found in migratory birds as far away as Minnesota. Pelican eggs contained "petroleum compounds and Corexit."

Dispersant and PAHs from oil are believed to have caused "disturbing numbers" of mutated fish. Scientists and fishermen saw these in 2012. This included 50% of shrimp found without eyes. Fish with oozing sores were first seen by fishermen in November 2010. Before the spill, about 0.1% of Gulf fish had sores. After the spill, some areas showed 20% of fish with sores, and later estimates reached 50%. In October 2013, Al Jazeera reported that the Gulf ecosystem was "in crisis." They noted fewer seafood catches and deformities in fish. Three researchers estimated that over one million coastal birds died directly from the Deepwater Horizon spill. Scientists believe more than one million birds eventually died from the spill's effects.

In July 2010, reports said the spill was "already having a 'devastating' effect on marine life in the Gulf." Damage to the ocean floor especially endangered the Louisiana pancake batfish. Its entire habitat is within the spill-affected area. In March 2012, a clear link was found between the death of a Gulf coral community and the spill. According to NOAA, there has been an unusual number of cetacean (whale and dolphin) deaths since before the spill. NOAA is investigating if the Deepwater Horizon spill contributed to this. Some estimates say only 2% of dead marine mammals have been found.

In the first dolphin birthing season after the spill, dead baby dolphins washed up along Mississippi and Alabama shorelines. This was about 10 times the normal number. A study found that nearly half the bottlenose dolphins tested in a heavily oiled area were in "guarded or worse" condition. BP officials denied that these diseases were related to the spill. They said dolphin deaths started before the spill. By 2013, over 650 dolphins were found stranded in the spill area. This was four times the usual number. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) reported that sea turtles, mostly endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles, were stranding at a high rate. Before the spill, there were about 100 strandings per year. Since the spill, the number jumped to roughly 500. NWF scientist Doug Inkley noted that the marine death rates were very high. This strongly suggested something was wrong with the Gulf ecosystem. In December 2013, a study found that half of 32 dolphins captured near Louisiana were seriously ill or dying. BP said the report was "inconclusive" about the spill's cause.

In 2012, tar balls continued to wash up along the Gulf coast. In 2013, tar balls were still found on Mississippi and Louisiana coasts. Oily patches were also seen in marshes. There were signs of severe erosion of coastal islands. This was caused by trees and marsh grass dying from oil exposure. In 2013, former NASA physicist Bonny Schumaker noticed a "dearth of marine life" in a 30 to 50 mile radius around the well. She had flown over the area many times since May 2010.

In 2013, researchers found that oil on the seafloor did not seem to be breaking down. They observed a "dirty blizzard" where oil in the water clumped with sediments and fell to the ocean floor. This could have long-term effects, as oil could stay in the food chain for generations.

A 2014 study found that oil already broken down by waves and dispersants was more toxic than fresh oil. A 2015 study also found that dispersants were more toxic to coral than the oil itself. A 2015 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration linked the sharp increase in dolphin deaths to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. On April 12, 2016, a research team reported that 88% of about 360 baby or stillborn dolphins in the spill area "had abnormal or under-developed lungs." This was compared to 15% in other areas.

Health Consequences for People

By June 2010, 143 cases of spill exposure were reported to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. 108 of these were cleanup workers, and 35 were residents. Chemicals from the oil and dispersant are believed to be the cause. It is thought that dispersants made the oil more toxic.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services started the GuLF Study in June 2010. This study will last at least five years. Mike Robicheux, a Louisiana doctor, called the situation "the biggest public health crisis from a chemical poisoning in the history of this country." In July, environmental scientist Wilma Subra tested the blood of cleanup workers and residents. She found high levels of harmful chemicals, showing exposure. Riki Ott, a marine toxicologist, advised families to leave the Gulf. She said workers from the Exxon Valdez spill had long-term health problems.

After seven cleanup workers were hospitalized, BP asked for a Health Hazard Evaluation. Tests for chemical exposure in these workers were negative. It was concluded that their hospitalizations were likely due to heat, tiredness, and cleaning chemicals. Later hospitalizations also showed heat exposure and dehydration. Air monitoring around workers found that levels of harmful chemicals were not above safe limits. However, some chemicals might have evaporated before testing. The report suggested that breathing problems might have been caused by high ozone levels. Workers were also reminded to wear protective gear like gloves.

Workers reported that they were not allowed to use respirators. They said their jobs were threatened if they did. OSHA said cleanup workers had "minimal" exposure to airborne toxins. They required BP to provide protective clothing, but not respirators. Reports showed that workers were photographed without protective clothing. An investigation found that BP did not give out the required safety manual for Corexit. Workers also did not receive safety training or protective gear.

A 2012 survey of cleanup workers reported many health problems. These included eye, nose, and throat irritation, breathing issues, skin problems, and memory loss. Dr. James Diaz said these problems were similar to those reported after other oil spills. He warned that long-term health effects, including cancers and organ damage, should be expected.

Two years after the spill, a study found chemicals from the oil in the bodies of cleanup workers. Other studies reported mental health issues, skin problems, breathing issues, coughing, and headaches. In 2013, findings discussed at a conference included a "significant percentage" of Gulf residents reporting mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These studies also showed that former cleanup workers had biomarkers of "many chemicals contained in the oil."

A study of children living near the coast in Louisiana and Florida found that over a third of parents reported health symptoms in their children. Parents reported "unexplained symptoms among their children, including bleeding ears, nose bleeds", among others. A study of almost 2,200 Louisiana women found that high exposure to the spill was linked to many physical health symptoms. Women who faced big economic problems from the spill were more likely to report breathing issues, headaches, and eye irritation.

Economic Impact

The spill had a big economic impact on BP and the Gulf Coast. Industries like offshore drilling, fishing, and tourism were affected. Estimates for lost tourism money were projected to be up to $22.7 billion by 2013. Louisiana reported $32 million in lost visitor spending by the end of 2010. Losses through 2013 were expected to be $153 million in that state alone. The Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing industry lost an estimated $247 million due to fishing closures. One study predicted that the total impact on fishing could be $8.7 billion by 2020. This could also mean a loss of 22,000 jobs. BP's costs for the spill included cleanup, containment, drilling relief wells, grants to states, and fines. By 2013, BP had dropped from the second to the fourth largest oil company. During the crisis, BP gas stations in the U.S. saw sales drop by 10% to 40% due to public anger.

Local officials in Louisiana worried that a ban on offshore drilling would further harm coastal economies. The oil industry employs about 318,000 Louisiana residents. NOAA closed 86,985 square miles of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico for commercial fishing. This cost the fishing industry $2.5 billion. The U.S. Travel Association estimated the economic impact on Gulf Coast tourism could exceed $23 billion over three years. This region supports over 400,000 travel industry jobs.

Changes in Offshore Drilling Rules

On April 30, 2010, President Barack Obama stopped new offshore drilling leases. He also ordered investigations of 29 oil rigs in the Gulf. Later, a six-month ban on offshore drilling (in waters deeper than 500 feet) was put in place. This ban stopped work on 33 rigs. A group of affected companies formed the Back to Work Coalition. On June 22, a judge lifted the ban, saying it was too broad. The ban was fully lifted in October 2010.

Before the spill, on March 31, 2010, Obama had ended a ban on oil and gas drilling along most of the East Coast of the United States and Arctic Alaska. This was to gain support for an energy bill and reduce foreign oil imports.

On April 28, 2010, Canada's National Energy Board asked oil companies to explain why they opposed safety rules requiring relief wells in the same season. On May 3, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger withdrew his support for expanded offshore drilling in California. On July 8, Florida Governor Charlie Crist called for a special meeting to ban offshore drilling in state waters. The legislature rejected this on July 20.

In October 2011, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service was dissolved. It was found to have overseen the drilling industry poorly. Three new agencies replaced it. They separated the jobs of regulation, leasing, and collecting money. In March 2014, BP was again allowed to bid for oil and gas leases.

Public and Government Reactions

U.S. Reactions

On April 30, President Obama sent government leaders to the Gulf Coast to assess the disaster. In a June 15 speech, Obama said, "This oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced... We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused." Interior Secretary Ken Salazar stated, "Our job basically is to keep the boot on the neck of British Petroleum." Some thought the Obama administration was too harsh in its criticism. Some BP investors saw this as an attempt to shift blame from the government's handling of the crisis.

Public opinion polls in the U.S. were generally critical of how President Obama and the federal government handled the disaster. They were very critical of BP's response. Across the U.S., thousands protested at BP gas stations. This reduced sales at some stations by 10% to 40%. A study noted that the severity of the disaster made it hard for government officials to respond effectively.

The oil industry claimed that disasters are rare and this spill was a unique event. They said their credibility was not lost. The American Petroleum Institute (API) said offshore drilling was important for jobs and economic growth. CEOs from the top five oil companies agreed to work harder on safety. API announced a new offshore safety institute, separate from its lobbying efforts.

A group called the Organization for International Investment warned that the strong criticism could harm the reputation of British companies in the U.S. It could also lead to U.S. protectionism, limiting British firms from government contracts.

In July 2010, President Obama issued an executive order. It created the National Ocean Council to address ocean issues, specifically mentioning the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In June 2018, this executive order was canceled by then-U.S. President Donald Trump. He aimed to reduce bureaucracy and help "ocean industries."

United Kingdom Reactions

In the UK, there was anger at the American press for using the term "British Petroleum." This name had not been used since British Petroleum merged with the American company Amoco in 1998 to form BP Amoco. People felt the U.S. was "dumping" the blame onto the British. There were calls for British Prime Minister David Cameron to protect British interests in the United States. British pension fund managers, who owned many BP shares, felt that President Obama's criticism was hurting the company's market value more than the direct cleanup costs.

Initially, BP downplayed the incident. Its CEO Tony Hayward called the amount of oil "relatively tiny." Later, he faced much criticism for saying the spill was a disruption to Gulf Coast residents and himself, adding, "You know, I'd like my life back." BP's chief operating officer Doug Suttles disagreed with discussions about underwater oil clouds. He said, "The oil that has been found is in very minute quantities." In June, BP launched a public relations campaign. They bought search terms on Google so that their website was the first result for spill-related searches. On July 26, 2010, it was announced that CEO Tony Hayward would resign. He was replaced by Bob Dudley, an American citizen who used to work for Amoco.

Hayward's role in Deepwater Horizon made him a controversial public figure. In May 2013, he was honored as a "distinguished leader" by the University of Birmingham. However, his award ceremony was interrupted by protests. In July 2013, he received an honorary degree from Robert Gordon University. This was called a "sick joke" by environmental groups.

International Reactions

The U.S. government initially turned down offers of cleanup help from many countries. These included Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. State Department listed 70 offers from 23 countries, all initially declined. Later, 8 offers were accepted. The USCG actively asked for skimming boats and equipment from several countries.

Investigations and Legal Actions

Investigations into the Disaster

In the United States, several investigations and commissions looked into the Deepwater Horizon disaster. These included reports by the USCG, the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and others. BP also conducted its own internal investigation.

An investigation into the explosion started on April 22, 2010. On May 11, the U.S. government asked for an independent technical investigation. The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill was set up on May 22. Its goal was to "consider the root causes of the disaster." The investigation by United States Attorney General Eric Holder was announced on June 1, 2010. The United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce also held hearings. According to a Congressional investigation, the rig's blowout preventer failed due to a hydraulic leak and a dead battery.

On September 8, 2010, BP released a 193-page report. It blamed BP, Halliburton, and Transocean for the accident. The report found that on April 20, 2010, managers misread pressure data. They approved replacing drilling fluid with seawater, which was too light. This allowed gas to leak into the well and cause the explosion. Transocean and Halliburton blamed BP in response to the report.

On November 9, 2010, a report by the Oil Spill Commission said there was "a rush to completion" on the well. It criticized poor management decisions. "There was not a culture of safety on that rig," a co-chair said.

The National Commission released its final report on January 5, 2011. The panel found that BP, Halliburton, and Transocean tried to work more cheaply. This helped cause the explosion and leak. The report stated that "many of the decisions that BP, Halliburton, and Transocean made that increased the risk... clearly saved those companies significant time (and money)." BP said it had already made changes to improve safety. Transocean blamed BP for decisions made before the explosion. Halliburton said it was following BP's orders. The report accused BP of nine faults, including not testing the cement and ignoring a failed pressure test. The study concluded that the accident "was avoidable" and resulted from "clear mistakes" by the companies and government officials. It also noted that government regulators did not have enough knowledge or authority.

On March 23, 2011, a report on the blowout preventer was published. It concluded that the main cause of failure was that the safety rams did not fully close. This was because a drill pipe buckled between them.

The U.S. government report in September 2011 stated that BP was ultimately responsible for the spill. Halliburton and Transocean shared some blame. The report said the main cause was a faulty cement job. It also noted many system problems and mistakes by Transocean and its crew. These problems affected their ability to prevent or limit the disaster. The report concluded that the loss of life and pollution were due to poor risk management, last-minute plan changes, failure to notice critical signs, and insufficient emergency training.

Legal Actions and Payments

By May 26, 2010, over 130 lawsuits were filed against BP, Transocean, and Halliburton. On April 21, 2011, BP filed lawsuits against Transocean, Halliburton, and the blowout preventer maker. BP claimed failed safety systems and irresponsible actions by contractors caused the explosion. The other companies denied these claims.

On March 2, 2012, BP and the people suing them agreed to a settlement. This deal would resolve about 100,000 claims from individuals and businesses affected by the spill. On August 13, BP asked a judge to approve the settlement. They said their actions "did not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct." On January 13, 2013, Judge Barbier approved a part of BP's proposed $7.8 billion settlement for medical benefits. People living along oiled shores or involved in cleanup who had specific health conditions caused by the oil or dispersants could get benefits. BP also agreed to spend $105 million over five years on a Gulf Coast health program. BP originally expected to spend $7.8 billion, but by October 2013, it increased its projection to $9.2 billion.

On August 31, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed papers blaming BP for the spill. They described it as an example of "gross negligence and willful misconduct." BP rejected these charges. The DOJ also said Transocean was guilty of gross negligence.

On November 14, 2012, BP and the DOJ reached a settlement. BP paid $4.5 billion in fines and other payments, the largest of its kind in U.S. history. The U.S. government also temporarily banned BP from new federal contracts. The settlement included payments to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and the National Academy of Sciences.

On January 3, 2013, the DOJ announced that Transocean Deepwater Inc. agreed to plead guilty to violating the Clean Water Act. They paid $1.4 billion in fines and penalties. MOEX Offshore 2007 agreed to pay $45 million. On July 25, 2013, Halliburton pleaded guilty to destroying evidence after the spill. They paid a $200,000 fine and were put on probation for three years.

In January 2014, a court rejected BP's attempt to stop payments for what it called "fictitious" claims. BP said the settlement administration allowed people without actual damages to file claims. The court ruled that BP had not explained how to identify such claims. The Supreme Court of the United States later refused to hear BP's appeal. In September 2014, Halliburton agreed to settle many legal claims by paying $1.1 billion.

Justice Department Lawsuit

BP and its partners, Transocean and Halliburton, went on trial on February 25, 2013. This was to decide payments and fines under the Clean Water Act. The plaintiffs included the U.S. Justice Department, Gulf states, and private individuals. Billions of dollars in liability and fines were at stake. If found guilty of gross negligence, BP would pay four times higher fines.

The first part of the trial determined the responsibility of BP, Transocean, and Halliburton. It also looked at whether they acted with gross negligence. The second part focused on how much oil flowed. The third part considered damages. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said the explosion was mainly caused by mishandling a rig safety test. They also mentioned poor staff training, bad equipment maintenance, and faulty cement. Reports suggested the U.S. government and Gulf Coast states had prepared a $16 billion settlement offer for BP.

On September 4, 2014, U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier ruled that BP was guilty of gross negligence and willful misconduct. He called BP's actions "reckless." He said Transocean's and Halliburton's actions were "negligent." He assigned 67% of the blame to BP, 30% to Transocean, and 3% to Halliburton. Fines would be based on the degree of blame and the amount of oil spilled. Under the Clean Water Act, fines could be up to $4,300 per barrel. The number of barrels spilled was debated. BP argued 2.5 million barrels, while the court said 4.2 million barrels. BP strongly disagreed with the ruling and appealed immediately.

Judge Barbier ruled that BP acted with "conscious disregard of known risks." He rejected BP's claim that others were equally responsible. His ruling stated that BP "employees took risks that led to the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history." He found the company "reckless" and said several key BP decisions were "primarily driven by a desire to save time and money."

On July 2, 2015, BP, the U.S. Justice Department, and five Gulf states announced a record settlement of $18.7 billion. By this date, BP's total cost for cleanup, damages, and penalties had reached $54 billion.

See also

• Exxon Valdez oil spill
• List of industrial disasters
• List of oil spills
• Offshore oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico (United States)
• Taylor oil spill
• Timeline of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
• Two barrier rule