The states affected by the BP oil spill are still feeling the effects of 4 million barrels of oil leaking into their waters. Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana are still dealing with the aftermath of this major environmental disaster. Now, BP has plans to stop clean-up efforts in the Gulf Coast waters of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.
Once BP leaves these states, the Coast Guard will be responsible for the investigation of any oil remnants and other pollutants that may be found in the future. When any oil is found, it will be sent to the National Response Center. The type of oil will be identified and the source will be held accountable for the clean-up costs. The oil that spilled into the gulf from Deepwater Horizon has been identified as MC252. BP will be responsible for any of this type of oil if it is found to have done additional environmental damage.
Though these coastal states have reached the end of their clean-up relationship with BP, the effort in Louisiana continues on. It has been reported that BP will continue to watch 85 miles of the Louisiana coast. In addition to the employees of BP, there are also members of the Coast Guard and other contract employees that are working to restore Louisiana’s waters to their former state.
For the workers injured in this and other offshore accidents, there is hope for compensation. Companies like BP are responsible for the safety of their seamen and workers. Under the maritime law known as the Doctrine of Maintenance and Cure, these entities are required to provide free medical care and basic living expenses to injured workers. Injured workers that are having problems obtaining the financial support required by law should seek the counsel of an attorney.
Source: NPR, “BP Ends Oil Spill Cleanup In Gulf, Except For Louisiana,” Bill Chappell, June 10, 2013
