Underwater plumes confirmed

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed underwater oil plumes as far as 142 miles from the BP oil spill. But concentrations are said to be "very low." NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco said that the tests conducted at three sites by a University of South Florida research vessel confirmed oil as far as 3,300 feet below the surface. (Source: Multiple, including AP, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, 06/08/10) BP says the cost of the company's response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached about $1.25 billion, not including $360 million for a project to build six sand berms meant to protect Louisiana's wetlands. (Source: AP via Mobile Press-Register, 06/07/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil has poured into the Gulf of Mexico since. Shorelines from Louisiana to Florida have been soiled by oil, often in the form of tarballs, but much of the slick remains in the Gulf. A cap is now capturing some of the oil, and a larger one will be put over the well next month. It will be August before relief wells to stop the leak are in place. There have been numerous reports of dead animals.