So...explain to me again why they aren’t allowing a controlled flow to surface ships? ——Just to relieve pressure until the relief wells are done?
BP is measuring the pressure in the well, and providing proof by the pressure increasing (very slowly) that they aren't the source of multiple natural leaks in the area, lest they get to dedicate their company simply into a never ending gulf maintenance organization. They are still responsible to their shareholders, not government wanks with their hands out.
Truth be told, this hasn't turned into the environmental disaster some in the administration hoped for, just an economic one as millions avoided the gulf region. The have to justify their crisis and if there's no more oil flowing into the gulf, how will they justify their crap and trade legislation?
At 5000fsw the methane gas is in solution. Bringing the product to the surface results in the methane gas coming out of solution and leading to an explosion unseen in the course of human history. Think Tunguska to the factor of 10