Oil, gas, pouring freely in Gulf of Mexico

Oil is now pouring freely from the pipe in the Gulf of Mexico. The old cap, which did not fit well, was removed Saturday and a new one that will fit more tightly will be put in place. The cap could be put in place by Monday, but the whole process will take serveral days. BP hopes the new cap will allow all of the leaking oil – as much as 80,000 barrels a day – to be captured. A permanent fix is not expected until relief wells are in place later this month or next month. (Sources: Multiple, 07/11/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil has spewed into the Gulf of Mexico ever since. Oil has washed ashore in five states.