Benzene levels around Pensacola are well above EPA limits. (UPDATE)

by 8ackgr0und N015e

Yesterday, I examined some of the EPA TAGA data showing a recent dramatic increase in toluene and xylene levels around Pensacola, FL., specifically the area covered by the shaded triangle:

I focused on the dramatic increase in toluene and xylene because the benzene levels were relatively constant.  

However, that doesn't mean the benzene levels are irrelevant. If anything, the benzene levels are the most disturbing of the three.  The AVERAGE benzene concentration is now 3 times the EPA levels, even higher than previously measured. (warning:PDF)

The 20 microgram/cubic meter limit set by the EPA is equivalent to 6.26 ppb in air.  As you can see from the chart, Pensacola's AVERAGE measurable benzene levels are between 15 and 19 ppb.  In some places it is much higher.

continued at Daily Kos....

BP still working -- to avoid liability. Now it's sick workers.

by 8ackgr0und N015e

As I pointed out before, BP has been working hard to keep down the estimated size of the spill to minimize their liability.  You might say that one datapoint doesn't make a pattern.  Well, here's a second one.   Fishermen working to clean the spill are starting to show up in local hospitals with respiratory complaints.  Why? BP is not providing them with respirators.   According to Clint Guidry, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association (interviewed on Democracy Now): It is a question of liability. The minute BP declares that there is a respiratory danger on the situation is the day that they let the door open for liability suits down the line. If they could have gotten away with covering this up, like they did in Alaska Valdez situation, like Exxon, they would not have to pay a penny for any kind of health-related claims.... Don't tell me "no one could have predicted this."

continued at Daily Kos....

BP numbers suggests 111,000,000 gallons and counting.

by 8ackgr0und N015e

British Petroleum said that 5,000 barrels a day were leaking into the Gulf following the collapse of Deepwater Horizon. British Petroleum said that 5,000 barrels a day were being collected by a 5 inch diameter siphon placed inside a 21 inch diameter pipeline. If you believe the first number, you can't believe the second number. If you believe the second number, you can't believe the first number. If you believe British Petroleum's second number, then they have dumped 111 million gallons of oil into the Gulf.

continued at Daily Kos....