Oil continues to wash up on Gulf of Mexico shorelines from BP’s underwater well explosion almost four years ago. The find comes as a key trial date is set in federal court in New Orleans.
Mississippi officials say more than 300 pounds of oily material from BP’s blown-out well in 2010 is being cleaned off barrier islands. Government authorities investigating the discovery are working with BP contractors on the cleanup.
High winds and seasonal low tides uncovered the debris.
It comes as US District Judge Carl Barbier in New Orleans set a trial date for next January to set Clean Water Act penalties. He has not yet ruled on how much oil spilled from BP’s well, or if the company acted with gross negligence. Both factors will determine how much BP will ultimately pay.
