Locals disappointed in top kill

BP’s attempt to plug the leak in the Gulf of Mexico with streams of heavy mud has failed. The method was abandoned over the weekend, sending officials back to the drawing board, which thus far, has proved counterproductive.

The top kill, seen by many as the most viable option for stopping the spill, fell on the heels of several other failed response efforts – most notably, the containment dome.

Local sentiment is quickly turning sour.

“I’m really disappointed. I had great hopes. Once the source has been stopped then we have an opportunity to proceed in the right direction,” said Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet.

He said the oil has had a tremendous impact on Louisiana’s fishing industry, but has not made significant landfall near Terrebonne or in area marshes.

With oil on the beaches of Lafourche Parish, Public Information Officer Brennan Matherne said parish officials are disappointed top kill didn’t work, but the parish always prepared for the worst case scenario.

“We’re disappointed but it hasn’t affected us in any way, because when we got into this from the beginning, we were planning on the long haul,” said Matherne. “Top kill was a great attempt, and we supported that, but from the beginning we’ve been approaching this like we’d be fighting until the relief well is drilled, which as we now know would be August.”

Matherne said he heard from BP that any other attempt until the relief well is drilled could only slow the spillage of oil – not stop it.