BP drilling of relief wells ahead of schedule, but completion date remains early to mid-August

BP cautious about gains in Gulf drilling schedule

NEW ORLEANS — Work on the best chance at stopping a massive Gulf of Mexico oil leak is ahead of schedule, but BP is sticking with its mid-August estimate of when the job will be done.

BP America spokesman Daren Beaudo (BOO-doh) said Saturday that drilling for relief wells near the leak is a few days ahead of schedule.

But he says severe weather could cause delays. Hurricane Alex didn’t stop work, but a closer hit could interrupt drilling.

As the drilling gets deeper, the work also becomes slower and more precise.

For those reasons, BP still estimates the wells will be drilled by early to mid-August.

One well will pump heavy mud to stop the leak from the damaged well. A second will serve as a backup.