Halliburton, BP Knew Cement Job Was Bad Before Gulf Well Blew Out

"National Oil Spill Commission investigators have found that the Halliburton cement used to seal the bottom of BP's wild Gulf well in April was unstable and was used despite multiple failed tests in the weeks leading up to the massive well blowout.

What's more, the commission investigators found Halliburton knew about the problems and used the cement mixture anyway.

The finding from commission chief counsel Fred Bartlit Jr. and his investigative team could be among the most significant to date as several investigations try to establish clear causes for the disaster, which killed 11 rig workers and fouled the Gulf with nearly 5 million barrels of oil.

Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who has been seeking subpoena power for the Oil Spill Commission, saw it as a watershed finding."

David Hammer reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune October 28, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"Inquiry Puts Halliburton in a Familiar Hot Seat" (New York Times)

"Panel Says Firms Knew of Cement Flaws Before Spill" (New York Times)

"Tests Showed Unstable Cement in Gulf Oil Well Before Explosion" (Washington Post)

"Critical Test Not Done on Cement Before Blowout" (AP)