Though the well has been finally plugged and the visible effects of the oil spill have largely disappeared, scientists are still assessing the long-term environmental damage.
Some scientists warn the whole ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico could be affected by the spill, while others say the effect could be minimal.
Related:
BP's spill-related claims payments reach 256 million dollars
HOUSTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- British oil giant BP said on Wednesday it has paid 256 million U.S. dollars to claimants who have lost income or net profit due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The London-based company said in a news release that it has paid 30 million dollars in the past week and will start paying another 60 million in advance money to cover August payments. Full story
Gulf oil spill hits 100 days as BP struggles for fresh start
HOUSTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Gulf of Mexico oil spill reached the 100-day mark Wednesday as BP, the oil giant behind the disaster, made drastic moves, including replacing its gaffe-prone chief executive and selling assets, to repair its damaged image and rejuvenate its business.
However, a crush of challenges remain as the battered BP struggles to cover the costs related to the environmental catastrophe, repair its reputation, streamline its structure and deal with the various probes and legal actions. Full story
BP CEO Tony Hayward to quit in October
LONDON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- BP confirmed on Tuesday that its chief executive Tony Hayward would leave his post in October and will be replaced by Bob Dudley, who is currently in charge of clean-up operation in the Gulf of Mexico.
Hayward has been heavily criticized for his handling of the oil leak, and local media reported that Hayward will instead be nominated for the role of non-executive director of Russian joint venture TNK-BP. Full story
