NC marine sciences expert says Gulf oil unlikely to reach East Coast as initially projected

NC expert: Gulf oil unlikely to reach East Coast

RALEIGH, N.C. — An expert on marine sciences and coastal circulation says it’s unlikely oil from BP’s massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico will reach the East Coast.

Roy He of North Carolina State University said Thursday the chances are low in part because the well is capped for now. BP expects to permanently kill it soon.

He also says large amounts of oil haven’t been observed in the Loop Current, which could carry oil around Florida and into East Coast waters. He also points to the ongoing dilution and degradation of the oil.

A National Center for Atmospheric Research model released at the beginning of June projected that parts of the oil spill could come up the East Coast during the summer.