Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Say Oil Spill May Affect Fertility

When the BP oil spill happened in April of 2010, residents of coastal communities like Gulfport, Mississippi were understandably curious about what was going on. After all, it was all over the news, and for at least a few days, the beaches remained open. Some people actually went in the water, but most people, including one mother from Gulfport, just walked along the beach. Eventually, the beaches were closed and people were prohibited from going on the beach or in the water.

The effects of the BP oil spill have been disastrous and far-reaching. Gulfport is an area that was heavily affected by the spill. It makes sense, then, to wonder whether the people who walked on Gulfport’s beaches or swim in the water there in the days after the spill have experienced any illnesses or injuries because of their exposure to oil and oil spill cleanup agents like Corexit.

Unfortunately, it seems as though at least some people in the Gulfport area who were exposed to oil and or oil spill cleanup materials have had health problems that are likely to have been caused by the spill. A mother from Gulfport, who had been in good health with no fertility problems prior to the oil spill, suffered from devastating fertility problems after she was exposed to oil and oily residue on the beach in the days following the spill. She was accustomed to taking walks down by the beach, and in the days following the oil spill, she noticed that there was a lot more oily stuff on the beach than there had ever been before. It was much different from the occasional tar balls that would normally be found along the beach, and she had to use gasoline to remove the oily material from her skin.

The woman, who had had a healthy pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few years before the spill, experienced thirteen miscarriages before she conceived again. She constantly felt ill. Her doctors could not determine what was causing her miscarriages. When she was finally able to conceive, her daughter was born with severe health problems including kidney failure and thyroid trouble, among other things.

When the woman pursued a claim for damages against BP, her claim was denied. Supposedly, she had not sufficiently demonstrated that there was a cause and effect relationship between the oil spill and the health problems that she and her daughter have suffered. She had taken pictures of the rashes that the oily residue had caused on her skin, and of how her skin looked burned after she removed it. Her daughter was born with a multitude of health problems. The woman has even had her blood tested, and there are high levels of VOCs in her body.

Barrett Law PLLC:  BP Oil Spill Attorneys Helping Spill Victims Throughout Mississippi

The BP oil spill caused a great deal of damage, and people have suffered many types of injuries and losses. If you have suffered an injury or loss because of the BP oil spill and you have not yet received compensation, the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Our knowledgeable attorneys have assisted many oil spill victims, and we are here to help you.  Call the compassionate and dedicated oil spill attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577, to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Offer The Latest Updates on the Settlement and Environmental Impact of the Spill

Though it has been nearly five years since the BP oil spill flooded the Gulf with more than 200 gallons of crude oil, litigation continues in the case and alarming new discoveries are still being made as to the impact of the spill.  Recently, a federal judge in New Orleans rejected BP’s effort to cap its fines stemming from the 2010 spill.  BP sought to lower the fines by nearly a third of the massive penalty that federal prosecutors are seeking.  The court rejected this attempt, but has not made a final determination as to how much BP will pay for the disaster.

Judge Carl Barbier of the U.S. District Court in New Orleans ruled on Tuesday, February 19, that BP could pay a maximum penalty of up to $4,300 for each barrel of oil spilled into the Gulf.  The fines are to be applied under the Clean Water Act, the federal law governing water pollution.  This means that BP could face a maximum penalty of $13.7 billion in fines.

BP originally asked the court to cap the fines at $3,000 per barrel, which was the maximum set in 1990.  However, prosecutors countered that the Environmental Protection Agency and Coast Guard rules required adjustments for inflation.  The court accepted this argument and affirmed the cap amount.

It is anticipated that Judge Barbier, the federal court judge overseeing the case, will make a final ruling as to how much BP will pay in the coming months.  BP is considering all its legal options as it contests the court’s ruling.

In other oil spill news, a report published in PLOS ONE journal revealed some alarming facts about the potential impact on the spill on marine life in the Gulf.  The report found that during the period from February 2010, two months before the spill, to August 2014, an unusual number of dolphins died.  It is believed this unusual mortality event is still ongoing.  The study found that some 1,300 dolphins became stranded along Gulf Coast beaches during the time frame studied, which is the longest lasting period of mass dolphin death ever seen along the Gulf.  Of the stranded dolphins, over 94 percent died.

The study stopped short of declaring the die-offs definitely linked to the oil spill.  Although the high number of dolphin deaths seems consistent with dolphins exposed to mass quantities of oil, scientists cannot yet prove a concrete link.  BP responded to the findings by claiming that mass dolphin deaths are not all that uncommon and the deaths during the study period are in no way linked to the oil spill.  Scientists will continue to study the impact of the oil spill on marine life throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Assisting Spill Victims   

The BP oil spill inflicted serious financial and physical injuries upon thousands of those living and working in the Gulf Coast.  The spill sadly continues to have a devastating impact on the environment and its full effects may not be evident for years to come.  While the fine lodged against BP is a step towards achieving justice, many continue to suffer due to the spill.  If you were harmed by the BP oil spill and have yet to receive full compensation for your losses, the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Our skilled attorneys have assisted countless oil spill victims and can do the same for you.  Call our exceptional oil spill attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Discuss BP’s Potentially Massive Fines

BP currently faces up to $13.7 billion in fines for violating the federal Clean Water Act.  This is the largest penalty ever sought by the government, far exceeding the previous record of $1 billion paid by Transocean Ltd. in 2013 through a settlement involving the same disastrous 2010 oil spill.

BP is fighting the fine and the trial resumes on January 20, 2015.  There are several factors the court will consider in determining the fine to be lobbed against BP, including:

  1. How serious was the spill?

The court will first consider the severity of the 2010 oil spill.  Analysis will include the amount of oil spilled, the environmental impact of the spill, and how long the spill lasted.  U.S. District Court Judge Carl Barbier previously ruled that BP spilled in excess of 3.19 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, by far the largest spill ever recorded.  Oil spilled for 87 days.  The government argues that the spill had a tremendous environmental impact, while BP insists it was far less.

  1. Who was to blame for the spill?

This factor was already the subject of the first phase of the civil trial which concluded in 2013.  Judge Barbier has ruled that BP shouldered most of the blame for the spill.  He found BP to be grossly negligent in its actions, which propelled the government to seek such a high fine in the final phase of the lawsuit.

  1. Did BP economically profit from its negligent actions?

The court has already determined that BP cut many corners, leading up to the spill. However, both sides agree BP did not benefit from the spill.

  1. Has BP already paid other fines stemming from the spill?

The court is required to consider BP’s previous and future oil spill penalties in setting the fine.  BP has agreed to pay $4.5 billion in criminal penalties for the spill and faces fines under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment.

  1. Does BP have prior violations?

The federal government will look to establish that BP has a history of prior violations and a pattern of safety issues.  Previous violations include a 2005 explosion in an oil refinery and a 2006 pipeline rupture spill.  BP argues the court should only look to the BP subsidy, BP XP, that owned the well that exploded, rather than the parent company.

  1. What actions did BP take to mitigate the spill?

The court will consider BP’s efforts to cap and plug the well and clean up efforts.  BP has spent over $14 billion in clean up and response measures, but the government contends that BP was required by law to conduct the clean up and monies spent on clean up simply reflect the severity of the spill.

Barrett Law PLLC:  BP Oil Spill Attorneys Assisting All Ongoing Victims of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill

Oil company giant BP faces the largest ever water pollution fine as a result of the massive Gulf oil spill that continues to heavily impact the environment, as well as individuals and businesses in the region.  Time is running out to file your claim for compensation due to damages inflicted upon you by the BP oil spill.  The Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC continue to fight for the victims of the spill, seeking full compensation for everyone who suffered physical or economic losses as a result of BP’s negligence.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled BP oil spill attorneys.

 

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Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Report: U.S. Seeks Up to $18 Billion in Fines From BP

The U.S. government is seeking between $16 and$18 billion in water pollution fines from BP Plc for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which was the worst oil spill in U.S. history.  The federal government has stated that BP deserves the maximum fine allowed under federal law.  The fine would be the largest ever imposed under the Clean Water Act and BP claims it would be a gross outlier compared to fines imposed in other cases.

In September, U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier ruled that BP was grossly negligent in drilling the well that led to the 2010 oil explosion.  The company has thus far set aside $3.51 billion in anticipation of penalties, which BP feels is an accurate estimated of its liability if it wins an appeal from the judge’s ruling.

Judge Barbier intends to conduct a non-jury trial in the coming month to set the exact pollution fines for BP, as well as its partner, Anadarko Petroleum Corp.  The fine will take into account a number of factors, including the size of the spill and the level of responsibility that both BP and Anadarko bear for the spill.  The government has already stated that Anadarko’s responsibility is minimal compared to that of BP.

The government, in its filing, has requested that a substantial penalty be imposed upon BP because the company provided little to no assistance after the spill.  Further, a smaller fine would not be sufficient punishment for a company worth billions of dollars.

BP countered back that it deserves a fine of far less than the government’s request because it is already incurred over $42 billion in liabilities from the spill, including several billon put towards stopping the oil spill and cleaning up the damage.  BP also claimed its fine should be low because the spill has had less environmental impact than initially anticipated.

For its part, BP has already stated that while the fine will be painful for the company, it will not cripple it.  The company brought in $23.5 billion in net income last year, making even the largest of fines seem bearable.

In other BP oil spill news, the deadline is approaching for people and businesses to file claims as a result of their losses due to the 2010 oil spill.  The deadline for most people and businesses is June 8, 2014.  This deadline does not apply to any seafood related businesses.  BP has made separate settlements for these business as well as medical claims.  As such, any individual or business who has yet to file a claim for economic losses must act fast.  Consult with an attorney now so that your claim can be timely prepared and filed.  Missing this deadline could result in foreclosure of your ability to ever receive compensation for your losses stemming from the spill.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Seeking Recovery for All Victims of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Disaster

The final deadline to file your claim related to the 2010 BP oil spill is fast approaching.  If you or your business suffered losses from the oil spill and have not yet received compensation,   the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We continue to assist victims of the BP oil spill in obtaining full compensation for their losses associated with this manmade disaster.  At Barrett Law PLLC, our attorneys possess unmatched skill and dedication.  For more information on your potential claim, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Report: Dozens Indicted in Fraud Cases Stemming from the 2010 BP Oil Spill

Recently, 25 residents of the Jacksonville area in Florida were indicted in a scheme to defraud the compensation fund set up following the 2010 BP oil spill.  The indictments came down on Tuesday, November 25, 2014.  Twenty six indictments charge a single count of mail fraud, while the other indictment charges a 33 year old Jacksonville resident with five counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictments, 27 men and women stated they were employees of businesses impacted by the oil spill that occurred after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, located off the state of Louisiana.  These individuals filed lost income claims through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, which was established to review and pay those who qualify for compensation.

The defendants allegedly sent documents in support of their fraudulent claims and then received funds.  The 33 year old defendant with multiple charges additionally used other people’s identification to submit multiple claims.

The case seeks over $1 million in financial judgments, ranging from $11,925 to $157,255, depending upon the extent of each defendant’s fraud.  Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison, with the 33 year old from Jacksonville facing an additional mandatory two years sentence for mail fraud.

The indictment of these 27 individuals is said to be an example of how the Secret Service continues to identify and combat fraud.  Using state of the art investigative techniques, the Secret Service was able to identify this massive crime ring and work to get these individuals charged.

In other BP oil spill news, a recent audit conducted by a third party revealed that the settlement program lead by claims administrator Patrick Juneau correctly processed 99.5 percent of all claims.  The audit concluded that the claims program is appropriate and well designed, with no needed improvements.

This audit comes at a time when BP is fighting to remove Patrick Juneau from his position as claim’s administrator.  BP has stated that the program is riddled with errors and fraud.  BP moved the federal judge in New Orleans to remove Juneau from the position due to a conflict of interest.  The judge denied this request, and BP plans to appeal the decision. Juneau stated that the audit reinforces that the settlement program is running correctly.

In other news, the environmental impact of the BP oil spill continues to be explored.  A new study claims that the oil spill left a bath tub ring around the sea’s floor about the size of Rhode Island, the true effects of which remain to be seen.

Barrett Law PLLC: BP Oil Spill Lawyers Dedicated to the Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Oil Spill Victims Have Been Fully Compensated

Now four years after the BP oil spill caste massive amounts of oil into the Gulf, the event continues to generate headline news.  For some individuals, allegedly falsifying claims may cost them greatly.  For other individuals and businesses, legitimate claims continue to go unpaid.  The Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have not forgotten about the devastating BP oil spill.  We recognize that some individuals and businesses in Mississippi and across the southeast are still awaiting their fair compensation.  At Barrett Law PLLC, we will fight to see that you recover for your losses, whether they be economic or in the form of personal injuries, stemming from the spill.  For more information on how we might be able to assist in your claim, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Oil Spill Attorneys Discuss BP’s Bid to Remove Oil Spill Claims Administrator

Last month, BP filed a motion in a New Orleans federal court seeking the removal of the administrator in charge of determining the payout for economic oil spill claims.  BP claims that Lafayette attorney Patrick Juneau, current administrator for the court-supervised settlement program, has a conflict of interest that should prevent him from serving in this capacity.

BP filed the motion to dismiss Juneau in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The motion asserts that Juneau advocated for clients involved in oil spill-related litigation in his capacity as an attorney prior to his appointment.  He should have been required to obtain a written waiver for the conflict, but did not, according to BP.  BP spokesman Geoff Morrell stated that Mr. Juneau’s failures were too numerous to allow him to continue to function as the administrator.

Oil spill plaintiff’s attorneys and attorney Patrick Juneau himself have contested the move to oust Juneau.  The court heard rebuttals to BP’s September motion just days ago.  Juneau and plaintiff’s lawyers urged that BP was aware of Juneau’s prior actions as an attorney, including consulting with Louisiana officials to push for a more favorable claims process.  Mr. Juneau asserted that he had functioned as head of the BP oil spill claim payments for the past two years, and his record on the job proves he has been both competent and fair in handling claims.

Juneau and the plaintiff’s attorneys believe there is no conflict of interest and that the settlement is functioning properly.  In fact, in his time spent overseeing the settlement program, Juneau has lowered monthly costs and issued over 274 policy interpretations, only three of which have been appealed in the court.

A court ordered investigation into the matter found Juneau had no conflict of interest.  The investigation concluded that payments could continue to proceed fairly and efficiently with Juneau at the helm.

In other BP news, a Slidell, Louisiana man who was at the center of an investigation into fraud related to the BP oil spill settlement pled guilty on October 10 to two counts of wire fraud.  The defendant admitted to submitting fake tax returns in conjunction with a shrimping claim he filed following the 2010 spill.  The man received $357,000 in payments based on this falsified information.  He now faces several years in prison.

It has been four years since the BP oil spill wrecked havoc on the Gulf and left many individuals and businesses suffering in its wake.  While many claims have been paid out since this time, still others continue to await compensation for their losses.  The BP oil spill settlement continues to wind its way through the court, and anyone who has not yet filed a claim or is struggling to obtain compensation for their claim should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Continuing to Fight For the Recovery of Oil Spill Victims

Four years after the massive and disastrous BP oil spill, BP continues to make the recovery of some oil spill victims difficult to achieve.  The attempted removal of current claims administrator is another move that may result in more delays.  If you or a loved one may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, the experienced and dedicated Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  It may not be too late to bring your claim and obtain a recovery for your losses.  We will evaluate your losses and uncover whether you might be entitled to compensation from BP.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Discuss the Latest Legal Developments

It has been four years since the BP oil spill pumped 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, yet many businesses and individuals affected by the spill are still fighting to obtain compensation.  Clean up workers and coastal residents seeking medical damages in the settlement comprise one such group still struggling to have their claims approved.

Mark Mead is a member of a group of about 20,000 coastal residents and cleanup workers who have currently been blocked from settlement payments.  Mark Mead and two friends were fishing just miles away from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig when it suddenly burst into flames, lighting up the sky.  The trio rushed toward the rig to help pull survivors and bodies out of the water.  As the oil continued to spill out of BP’s damaged well over the next four months, Mark Mead helped as part of BP’s cleanup effort.  He worked to retrieve contaminated boom near the Florida-Alabama line.

Despite his heroic efforts, Mead now finds himself part of a group of 20,000 who have been blocked from receiving settlement payments under a disputed reading of a phase found within the 1,000 page agreement.

U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier initially agreed with BP’s reading of the settlement and ruled to block the 20,000 coastal residents and cleanup workers.  Now, however, he is reconsidering the interpretation and the affect it will have on these class members who will likely now face years of costly litigation.  For Mead and the others, their fate now rests in Judge Barbier’s hands.  Many of the cleanup workers and residents suffered severe medical complications as a result of exposure to the oil.  Some are struggling with ongoing medical expenses and disability.

On another front, Federal District Court Judge Barbier has also ruled that BP cannot recoup the funds it claims to have overpaid victims of the oil spill.  This ruling came on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 following several hearings on the matter.  BP had successfully argued last years that the accounting methods used to determine claim payments were flawed and too generous.  Judge Barbier ordered the office processing claims to adopt a new accounting procedure.

In response to this victory, BP then claimed that it should be able to recoup the hundreds of millions of dollars that it claims it overpaid to victims.  Judge Barbier disagreed, finding that the earlier claims were paid under the settlement’s terms as interpreted at that time.  The fact that the interpretation was later reversed does not equate to fraud by claimants, and does not justify recovery of monies paid.  The individual release signed by all those who agreed to the settlement further supported this position, as in it claimants were informed that further legal proceedings or changes in the terms of the settlement would not affect them.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Assisting Oil Spill Victims Until All Have Received Justice

It has been four years since the BP oil spill, but for many, relief continues to elude them.  As this look at the recent legal rulings concerning the case demonstrates, BP oil spill litigation is ongoing and many questions still remain.  The Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC vow to continue to assist oil spill victims in obtaining a recovery until the very end of this monumental case and chapter in U.S. history.  If you have been or may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, our team of experienced oil spill attorneys can help.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

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New Study Shows the Footprint of the BP Oil Spill May Be Worse Than We Thought

Biologists at Pennsylvania State University have made an alarming finding that the BP Oil Spill has had a deeper impact on marine life than previously predicted.  The 2010 Gulf Oil Spill has captured the world’s attention for polluting the waters in the Gulf of Mexico.  The spill additionally shut down business across the region, including fisheries and beaches, and severely contaminated marshes and wetlands.  Three companies were responsible for the spill: TransOcean, which operated the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig; oil company BP; and Halliburton.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found two partially damaged and dying deep sea coral reefs far to the east of the oil spill site.  Up until now, scientists only knew of one reef that was damaged by the oil spill.  That reef was closer to the surface and to the scene of the spill which sent 210 million gallons of oil pouring into the Gulf for 87 days.

Charles Fisher, who led the study, stated that the footprint of the oil spill on coral communities is deeper and wider than previous studies indicated.  BP issued a published response stating that the researchers have prematurely linked the dead coral reefs to the 2010 oil spill.  BP urged the reef’s destruction could have come from other sources including natural oil or gas seeps or underwater landslides.  PSU biologists defended their study, emphasizing that their testing proved the oil found on the reefs was the same as the oil from the 2010 BP oil spill.

The study presents two theories as to how these distant reefs were damaged by the oil spill.  The first is that a cloud of oil droplets traveled under the sea deeper and in different directions that scientists previously believed.  The second is that the oil traveling on the surface of the water sunk and landed on the reefs.  This sort of oil is called “toxic marine snow.”  Scientists believe toxic marine snow is formed when chemical dispersants used to clean up the oil cause the oil to form droplets that then fall hundreds of feet below the surface.

Deep sea coral reefs are a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem.  They provide a habitat for dozens of species and participate in nitrogen and carbon cycling processes, as well as sheltering fish and shark eggs.  Charles Fisher emphasizes that the discovery of these dying reefs indicates the deep sea is still experiencing the effects of the oil spill.  He warns that it could be awhile before the full impact of the spill is realized in the wider Gulf.

Just like the ocean floor, individuals and businesses continue to be impacted by the BP oil spill.  Many more are still struggling to receive payouts from BP for their damages sustained.  Contact a BP Oil Spill Attorney today for help with your claim.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Continuing to Assist Victims of this Disaster

This new study showing the ongoing and even greater than previously thought impact of the BP Oil Spill is alarming and serves to illustrate the need for continued litigation against the companies responsible for this disaster.  It has been four years since the oil spill that pumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf, devastating many Gulf coast residents, business owners, and the environment.  While it has been years since the spill, the effects are ongoing and litigation continues.  If you have been or may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, the experienced Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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New Study Shows the Footprint of the BP Oil Spill May Be Worse Than We Thought

Biologists at Pennsylvania State University have made an alarming finding that the BP Oil Spill has had a deeper impact on marine life than previously predicted.  The 2010 Gulf Oil Spill has captured the world’s attention for polluting the waters in the Gulf of Mexico.  The spill additionally shut down business across the region, including fisheries and beaches, and severely contaminated marshes and wetlands.  Three companies were responsible for the spill: TransOcean, which operated the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig; oil company BP; and Halliburton.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found two partially damaged and dying deep sea coral reefs far to the east of the oil spill site.  Up until now, scientists only knew of one reef that was damaged by the oil spill.  That reef was closer to the surface and to the scene of the spill which sent 210 million gallons of oil pouring into the Gulf for 87 days.

Charles Fisher, who led the study, stated that the footprint of the oil spill on coral communities is deeper and wider than previous studies indicated.  BP issued a published response stating that the researchers have prematurely linked the dead coral reefs to the 2010 oil spill.  BP urged the reef’s destruction could have come from other sources including natural oil or gas seeps or underwater landslides.  PSU biologists defended their study, emphasizing that their testing proved the oil found on the reefs was the same as the oil from the 2010 BP oil spill.

The study presents two theories as to how these distant reefs were damaged by the oil spill.  The first is that a cloud of oil droplets traveled under the sea deeper and in different directions that scientists previously believed.  The second is that the oil traveling on the surface of the water sunk and landed on the reefs.  This sort of oil is called “toxic marine snow.”  Scientists believe toxic marine snow is formed when chemical dispersants used to clean up the oil cause the oil to form droplets that then fall hundreds of feet below the surface.

Deep sea coral reefs are a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem.  They provide a habitat for dozens of species and participate in nitrogen and carbon cycling processes, as well as sheltering fish and shark eggs.  Charles Fisher emphasizes that the discovery of these dying reefs indicates the deep sea is still experiencing the effects of the oil spill.  He warns that it could be awhile before the full impact of the spill is realized in the wider Gulf.

Just like the ocean floor, individuals and businesses continue to be impacted by the BP oil spill.  Many more are still struggling to receive payouts from BP for their damages sustained.  Contact a BP Oil Spill Attorney today for help with your claim.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Continuing to Assist Victims of this Disaster

This new study showing the ongoing and even greater than previously thought impact of the BP Oil Spill is alarming and serves to illustrate the need for continued litigation against the companies responsible for this disaster.  It has been four years since the oil spill that pumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf, devastating many Gulf coast residents, business owners, and the environment.  While it has been years since the spill, the effects are ongoing and litigation continues.  If you have been or may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, the experienced Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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BP Oil Spill Dispersants Still Found in Environment

Four years after the massive BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, an ingredient found in the controversial dispersants that were used to break down oil are still being found in tar balls along Gulf Coast beaches.  The discovery of this ingredient, which is commonly found in human laxatives, has alarmed environmentalists and the public alike.  Its presence four years later stands in stark opposition to the message sent by BP and EPA officials during the spill that dispersants evaporated quickly from the environment.

More than 1.8 million gallons of chemical dispersants were used to clean up the oil spill, being injected into the subsurface of oil slicks in an effort to prevent the slicks from reaching beaches and marshes.

The study that sparked this finding was published by scientists at Haverford College and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.  Their research paper, which was published in Environment Science & Technology Letters, states it is important for other scientists studying the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster to know the dispersants are still present in the environment.

Researchers participating in the study examined samples from deep sea corals and sediment collected in December of 2010, along with oil soaked sand found along Gulf Coast beaches from July 2010 to present.  The dispersant chemical DOSS was found in variable quantities in the deep sea coral communities for at least six months after the spill and 26 to 45 months on beaches.

These results indicate that the dispersant, which was touted as safe for the environment and quick to dissipate, remains with oil in the environment and can persist for at least four years.  Most surprising was the presence of DSS in the sand patties four years after the spill, as this sand has been exposed to weather, waves, temperature changes, and air, which provided ample opportunities for the dispersant to dissipate.

One question this study does not attempt to answer is what kind of danger the presence of DOSS in the environment could pose, both to marine and human life.  While the concentration of DOSS is low in the samples studied, the chemical could surely have an effect on the environment.

A BP spokesman in Houston, Texas has responded to the study and rebuffed any notion that the low levels of dispersants found could pose any risk to human or aquatic life.  None of the samples tested exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety levels for dispersants.  Further, according to BP, the DOSS chemical can come from many different sources and it is not uncommon to find traces of it in the Gulf, making it difficult to isolate its source to the BP oil spill. Researchers from this study did take care to ensure the DOSS chemical was from the dispersants, however, by comparing other samples found not to contain DOSS.

Many environmentalists believe the BP oil spill has continued to have a negative impact on marine life, including tuna.  The presence of dispersants raises questions as to their possible role in the death and ill-health of marine life.

Barrett Law PLLC: Helping Victims of the Catastrophic BP Deep Horizon Oil Spill

It has been four years since the BP Oil Spill pumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf.  While many individuals have received compensation for their lost profits attributed to the impact of the spill, many more continue to suffer ongoing losses due to the still present environmental contamination.  This recent studying examining the presence of dispersants four years later is just one piece of evidence supporting the ongoing damaging effect of the spill.  If you have been or may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, the experienced Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

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