Federal official: Leading edge of oil expected to reach Mississippi River delta Thursday night

Edge of oil spill to reach Miss. River delta soon

NEW ORLEANS — A federal official says the leading edge of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to reach the Mississippi River delta by Thursday night.

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration spokesman Charles Henry says as of this morning, part of the slick is about 3 miles from the Louisiana shore.

Officials say they will do everything they can not to disrupt river traffic.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced that BP PLC has agreed to allow local fishermen to assist in the expected cleanup. Under the agreement, shrimpers and fishermen could be contracted by BP to help.

BP operated the rig that exploded and sank 50 miles offshore last week and is directing the cleanup and trying to stop the leak from a blown-out underwater well.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal official says the leading edge of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to reach the Mississippi River delta by Thursday night.

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration spokesman Charles Henry says as of this morning, part of the slick is about 3 miles from the Louisiana shore.

Officials say they will do everything they can’t not to disrupt river traffic.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced that BP PLC has agreed to allow local fishermen to assist in the expected cleanup. Under the agreement, shrimpers and fishermen could be contracted by BP to help.

BP operated the rig that exploded and sank 50 miles offshore last week and is directing the cleanup and trying to stop the leak from a blown-out underwater well.