Work on both relief wells halted; BP worried tests “could cause the back side of the relief well to be blown out”

Drilling of both relief wells has been suspended

Meanwhile, work on two relief wells — seen as the ultimate solution to the oil disaster — was suspended.

Wells said work on the first relief well, expected to be completed in August, was delayed while officials prepare for the integrity test out of an abundance of caution. It is possible, though unlikely, that shutting in the well as part of the integrity test could cause the back side of the relief well to be blown out, Wells said.

“It’s a good precaution to take at this time,” he said. However, the delay will set the relief well progress back by one to two days.

Operations on the second relief well were temporarily suspended at a depth of 15,963 feet to ensure there is no interference with the first relief well, BP has said.

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