Not Good: "BP faces setback in containment dome for oil spill"

BP faces setback in containment dome for oil spill

Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles said hydrates, mainly crystallized methane frozen from the crushing pressure of the ocean and low temperatures, clogged up the opening at the top of the giant funnel after it landed on the sea floor one mile below the surface.

The 100-ton cofferdam has been set aside from the well head as officials attempt to remove the hydrates and figure out a way to solve the setback.

At a press conference, Suttles said BP is studying ways to heat the area to prevent hydrates from forming on the funnel.

Steve Gelsi
MarketWatch