Blowout Preventer Removal Set To Start Today

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – National Incident Commander Thad Allen says vessels and equipment are at the well site to replace the blowout preventer now that storms have subsided.

"We are making preparations right now to take advantage of that weather window which we believe will last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and potentially into Sunday to remove the blowout preventer."

The capping stack will be first to go. The failed blowout preventer will follow. When the new unit is installed, work will begin on pumping cement into the well from the bottom. Allen says that must be completed before he declares the well is dead.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.