BP claims ‘desired outcome’ reached in static kill procedure, mud holding oil down

BP says ‘desired outcome’ reached in static kill

LONDON — BP says it has reached the “desired outcome” in a procedure in which it pumped mud down the throat of the blown-out well that is leaking in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP spokeswoman Sheila Williams says the mud is holding the oil down.

BP PLC began pumping Tuesday in an effort called a “static kill.” The static kill — also known as bullheading — involves slowly pumping the mud from a ship down lines running to the top of the ruptured well a mile below. BP has said that may be enough by itself to seal the well.

The company said Wednesday that the well pressure was being controlled, “which is the desired outcome of the static kill procedure carried out yesterday.”