Latest Mississippi River Delta News: February 14, 2013
BP feud with US government over gulf oil spill heats up
By Harry R. Weber, FuelFix. February 13, 2012.
“BP is preparing for battle with the U.S. government as it steps up its efforts to defend itself against up to $21 billion in civil fines that it could face in connection with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill…” (Read more)
Groups concerned RESTORE Act money will be diverted from coast
By Todd Masson, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). February 13, 2013.
“With the state less than two months away from the opening of its 2013 Legislative session, conservation groups are concerned a big pile of money heading Louisiana’s way for coastal restoration may get diverted to fill budget shortfalls or be otherwise misused…” (Read more)
Transocean Plea Deal In Lawsuit Over 2010 Gulf Oil Spill To Be Ruled On By Judge
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press. February 14, 2013.
“NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge was expected to decide Thursday whether to approve Transocean Ltd.’s agreement with the Justice Department to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge and pay $400 million in criminal penalties for its role in the massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…” (Read more)
Going With the Flow
By Michael Kimmelman, The New York Times. February 13, 2013.
“OVERDIEPSE POLDER, WASPIK, THE NETHERLANDS — When Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York proposed the other day to spend up to $400 million to buy and raze homes in the floodplains damaged by Hurricane Sandy, I thought of Nol Hooijmaijers…” (Read more)
Geologists Quantify, Characterize Sediment Carried by Mississippi Flood to Louisiana’s Wetlands
Science Daily. February 13, 2013.
“Feb. 13, 2013 — The spring 2011 flood on the Mississippi was among the largest floods ever, the river swelling over its banks and wreaking destruction in the surrounding areas. But a University of Pennsylvania-led study also shows that the floods reaped environmental benefits — transporting and laying down new sediment in portions of the Delta — that may help maintain the area’s wetlands…” (Read more)