[thackney]

They say the relief wells will do it, but I don’ see how that will let them get a handle on the problem.

The relief wells stop the pressure at the source, at the point the well enters the oil field. They are not dependent upon a leaking casing and riser to hold a column of mud.

How a relief well works
http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9033657&contentId=7061734

[jwparkerjr]

OK, I see it better now. The idea is to reduce the flow from the damaged well, not stop it. Once the flow is reduced then they will have a better shot at capping it.

Still, seems like an awful lot of pressure to be relieved by just two other outlets. But hey, it’s hard to argue with success.