NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Engineers have removed the temporary cap that stopped oil from gushing from BP's ruptured well into Gulf of Mexico.
Crews are on standby with collection vessels just in case.
The well was recently plugged at the top with heavy drilling mud and cement. A similar plug will be performed at the well's bottom.
Statement from National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen on the Successful Removal of the Capping Stack:
"Under the direction of the federal science team and U.S. government engineers, BP has completed the capping stack removal procedure – an important step in the process to remove and preserve the damaged BOP. This procedure was undertaken in accordance with specific conditions I set forth in a directive authorizing the capping stack removal and BOP replacement last week. BP will continue to follow these required conditions for the BOP removal procedure, which is expected to commence this evening. I will continue to provide updates as necessary."
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