Scientists: Gulf leak bigger than Valdez

Scientists say the amount of oil that's flowed into the Gulf of Mexico from a damaged BP well is much greater than originally believed, and has surpassed the 11 million gallons that spilled during the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska in 1989. U.S. Geological Survey Director Dr. Marcia McNutt said at a news conference Thursday that two teams of scientists using different methods have preliminarily determined that between 17 million and 27 million gallons of oil have gushed into the ocean so far. (Source: Washington Post, 05/27/10) Meanwhile, reports about the "top kill" method to stop the flow indicate it is working. The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil has flowed into the Gulf of Mexico since then. Coastal communities have made preparations to brace for oil coming ashore. Louisiana has been hardest hit so far.