BP to commit up to $500M to research Gulf oil spill, impact of ooze on marine and shore life

BP to commit up to $500M to research Gulf spill

COVINGTON, La. — BP PLC says it will spend up to $500 million to research the effects of the growing Gulf of Mexico oil spill on the marine and shoreline environment.

The company, which leased the rig and is responsible for the cleanup, said Monday that the 10-year research program will study the effects of the oil. It also will study chemical dispersants used to break up oil on the seabed and along the shore.

The program also aims to study the impact of the dispersant on the oil and ways to improve technology to detect oil and clean up the ooze.

BP chief executive Tony Hayward says the research into the monthlong spill “will be a key part of the process of restoration, and for improving the industry response capability for the future.”