I recently signed a contract to buy a house in Durango. The news of the toxic spill is cause for great concern. I do plan to close the deal later this month, maybe against better judgment.
I currently reside in Texas and have been in the oil business all my career. The comparison between the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the response by those who caused the disaster is remarkable.
The impact of both is unknown and may extend for years into the future.
BP was accused by the media, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department for initially under-reporting the amount of oil spilled. The EPA can certainly be accused of trying to minimize the amount of toxic waste spilled from Gold King.
BP was accused of holding back critical information under the excuse it wanted to “verify” results before release. The EPA can be accused of slow-walking information in this case.
BP was accused of cutting corners and not being adequately prepared for the event that occurred. The EPA preparation at Gold King appeared to be four guys and a backhoe.
The comparisons can go on.
The response to the outcome will be interesting. BP was forced to pay over $20 billion to shrimp-boat operators, hotels, tourist operators, beach cleanup and others. Will the EPA compensate Durango businesses or will they hide behind federal immunity?
BP employees faced criminal prosecution with significant jail time, justified by the logic that it was needed to prevent reckless acts from occurring in the future. Will any EPA personnel even be reprimanded?
I am hopeful that the right things will be done based on sound science and good management. In fact, I’m betting a pretty sizable investment on it. The Animas Valley is just too valuable to be lost.
Ron Campbell
Houston
