Lower-Than-Expected Pressure Readings Raise Concern over New Gulf Oil Leakage

Is more trouble building in the Gulf?

National Incident Commander Thad Allen issued an advisory Sunday afternoon saying, "Work must continue to better understand the lower-than-expected pressure readings. This work centers on two plausible scenarios: depletion of oil from the reservoir and potential leakage caused by damage to the well bore or casing."

Allen added: "While we are pleased that no oil is currently being released into the Gulf of Mexico and want to take all appropriate action to keep it that way, it is important that all decisions are driven by the science. Ultimately, we must ensure no irreversible damage is done which could cause uncontrolled leakage from numerous points on the sea floor."

The federal government, overseeing BP's efforts, has required new monitoring and periodic evaluation and approval, pending further integrity tests of the capped well.