[cripplecreek]

connect a discharge pipe with or without a pump to a capture point...

That's kinda what I meant with the cofferdam idea. Just contain it till it gets close enough to the surface where oil and water can be pumped off. You would need to allow water to enter at the base to keep the flow moving upward smoothly.

Best of all, we would still be collecting the oil despite Obozo's moratorium.

[Sacajaweau]

I think the possibility of many discharge openings rather then just one so that if one gets clogged, others will still be available.

I understand the coffer dam...They created one at Matagorda Bay when they found "The Belle".

I designed septic systems for years and took hydraulics in college...

But what I'm thinking still doesn't solve the problem...shutting the thing down....Unless you try discharging "DRY" cement INTO the outlets

Wow...I think you need a lab to play in for this...I can't imagine all the forces in play....