BP Removes Capping Stack

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The capping stack had been a temporary fix attached on top of the unit that didn't stop oil from gushing into the Gulf. After it started holding back the oil in July, the capping device was used to guide mud and cement down into the system. Now crews will be replacing the blowout preventer with a new one. National Incident Commander Thad Allen says the replacement should handle the pressure of more mud and cement he insisted be pumped in through the bottom. That operation is expected to begin after Labor Day.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.