The largest oil disaster in US history could finally be coming to an end. BP promises to begin plugging the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico starting tonight. (Take VO) After more than three months since the offshore oil rig erupted, BP engineers will put into motion a two-part strategy that could plug the leak for good by the end of August. The first stage includes a static kill which will seal the well from above with cement. The next and final step is then pumping mud and cement into the well’s bottom through a relief well, a process called the bottom kill. For the last two weeks, a temporary cap has been keeping the oil contained. Prior to this, BP has had several failed attempts and has used chemical dispersants in the interim to help break up the oil before it reaches the shore. Since April 20, the ruptured rig has gushed as much as 184 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, devastating the surrounding coastal communities.(End VO) Government officials are hopeful but cautious; and plan to oversee this latest plan.
