Universities offer research help

It will take years before the full impact of the BP oil spill on the Gulf Coast is uncovered, and millions will have to be spent on studies. That's according to Michael Carron, director of the Northern Gulf Institute at Stennis Space Center, Miss. He said BP approached universities in the region to form a consortium to research the spill. They’ll meet in Louisiana next week to establish an action plan. "I think it will take $100 million a year for the next 10 years," Carron said. BP has already pledged $500 million over the next decade, he said. The Northern Gulf Institute, a NOAA cooperative, includes Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Louisiana State University, Florida State University and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. (Source: Sun Herald, 05/28/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 people. It has been leaking oil into the Gulf of Mexico ever since. BP is currently trying to stop the leak by forcing heavy mud and debris into the pipe, then capping it with concrete.