I heard on local news this AM that this oil was not black and thick like Valdez but more like a motor oil and that they were going to try and use a process or substance to break the oil up into tiny managable particles that could be absorbed naturally into the coast line. I know that sounds like wishful thinking but it was on TV this AM.
139,459 gallons of dispersant have been deployed and an additional 51,000 gallons are available
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/534651/
(breaks down the oil)
There’s a thin component, then there’s some isolated denser chunks. Apparently these little dudes landed on the chunks.