Shocker: BP Chose Cheaper, Less Safe, Oil Well Seal

“„

The concern with the method BP chose, the document said, was that if the cement around the casing pipe did not seal properly, gases could leak all the way to the wellhead, where only a single seal would serve as a barrier.

“„

Using a different type of casing would have provided two barriers, according to the document, which was provided to The New York Times by a Congressional investigator. …

“„

The approach taken by the company was described as the “best economic case” in the BP document. However, it also carried risks beyond the potential gas leaks, including the possibility that more work would be needed or that there would be delays, the document said.