Expert witnesses at the trial over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster have cast doubt on BP claims over the speed at which the blown-out Macondo well eroded.
The trial, in New Orleans, heard from scientists last night who told the court BP’s measuring formula for the way and amount of oil spilled were too low.
US Geological Survey research hydrologist Paul Hseih told the court that BP’s scientists had recommended using 12 ‘microsips’ as the correct measurement of rock formation compression, rather than the 6 microsips number the company now claims.
He told lawyers for BP that that number had been questioned by the former US Energy Secretary Steven Chu, but in an email confirmed that 12 microsips was the amount BP had recommended using.
Oil contractor Aaron Zick told the court his modeling of the oil spill indicated that 50.6 to 50.7 barrels worth of oil had reached the surface for every 100 barrels in the well – while BP’s methodology counted it as 44.5 barrels.
But BP’s experts used incorrect assumptions to determine an even smaller sum, he told the court.
BP are expected to call their first witnesses in the second phase of the civil trial today. The case, before Judge Carl Barbier, continues.
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