The controversial berms the state constructed during and following the BP spill a couple of years ago along the Chandeleur Islands to capture errant oil were all but destroyed by Hurricane Isaac, according to an analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The controversial berms the state constructed during and following the BP spill a couple of years ago along the Chandeleur Islands to capture errant oil were all but destroyed by Hurricane Isaac, according to an analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey.
As reported Monday by The Times-Picayune, scientists disagreed at the time that the plan would be effective. The state requested clearance to build 120 miles of berms - at BP's expense - but the Army Corps of Engineers would only approve roughly 39 miles. The National Oil Spill Commission concluded the Chandeleur berms captured only about 1,000 barrels of oil.
Isaac is credited with devastating flooding in part of coastal Louisiana, due in large part to the storm slowing to a crawl as it neared the coast, which exacerbated the rain effect. Following the storm fresh reports of oil washed up in places along the coast; analysis of the oil showed it be remnants from the BP spill.
Read the Times-Pic story here.