Gulf Oil Disappears

Or least about three-quarters of the 5 million barrels of oil from the BP oil spill has so far, according to a report issued today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The report notes:

In summary, it is estimated that burning, skimming and direct recovery from the wellhead removed one quarter (25%) of the oil released from the wellhead. One quarter (25%) of the total oil naturally evaporated or dissolved, and just less than one quarter (24%) was dispersed (either naturally or as a result of operations) as microscopic droplets into Gulf waters. The residual amount — just over one quarter (26%) — is either on or just below the surface as light sheen and weathered tar balls, has washed ashore or been collected from the shore, or is buried in sand and sediments. Oil in the residual and dispersed categories is in the process of being degraded.

 The full report can be found here [pdf].

Fired BP CEO Tony Hayward ("the Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean") is probably muttering "I told you so" into his Campari and soda right about now.