COLLEEN LONG and MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press Writers
NEW ORLEANS – Oil and gas are leaking from the cap on BP’s ruptured oil well but the cork will stay in place for now, the federal government’s point man on the spill said Monday.
The leaks aren’t “consequential,” retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said, relieving concerns that they are a sign the cap is creating too much pressure underground. That could mean the cap that’s stopped oil since Thursday would have to be opened.
Allen said BP could continue testing the cap, meaning keeping it shut, for at least another 24 hours. He said BP must keep rigorously monitoring for any signs that this test could worsen the overall situation.