Vessels monitor a oil burn in the area of the Deepwater Horizon disaster on the Gulf of Mexico, Tuesday, July 13, 2010. BP officials have placed a containment cap over the leak in hopes that the flow of oil will be diminished. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (AP)
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President Barack Obama makes a statement after being briefed on the BP oil spill relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region, Friday, June 4, 2010, at Louis Armstrong International New Orleans Airport in Kenner, La. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (AP)
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Protesters gather outside of the BP offices in San Francisco on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 to demonstrate against the Gulf oil rig disaster. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (AP)
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This image from video provided by BP PLC early Sunday morning, June 13, 2010 shows oil continuing to pour out at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard has demanded that BP step up its efforts to contain the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico by the end of the weekend, telling the British oil giant that its slow pace in stopping the spill is becoming increasingly alarming as the disaster fouled the coastline in ugly new ways Saturday. (AP Photo/BP PLC) NO SALES (AP)
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This image from video provided by BP PLC early Sunday morning, June 20, 2010 shows oil continuing to gush millions of gallons a day, from the broken wellhead, at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/BP PLC) NO SALES (AP)
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GULF SHORES, AL - JUNE 08: Workers pick up oil patches and tar that washed up on the beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on June 8, 2010 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Early reports indicate that BP's latest plan to stem the flow of oil from the site of the Deepwater Horizon incident may be having some success. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
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Oil floats in the Gulf of Mexico near Orange Beach, Alabama, U.S., on Friday, June 18, 2010. The BP Plc oil spill, which began when the leased Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20, is gushing as much as 60,000 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico, the government said. Photographer: Kari Goodnough/Bloomberg (Bloomberg)
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Oil cleanup workers hired by BP pick up oil on the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala., Friday, July 2, 2010. Oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident is expected to come ashore over the July 4th weekend. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (AP)
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In this image taken from video provided by BP PLC at 18:17 CDT, a new containment cap, top, is lowered over the broken wellhead at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Monday, July 12, 2010. Deep-sea robots swarmed around BP's ruptured oil well Monday in a delicately choreographed effort to attach the tighter-fitting cap that could finally stop crude from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico nearly three months into the crisis. (AP Photo/BP PLC) NO SALES (AP)
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This combo made from images taken from video provided by BP PLC shows oil flowing from two of three valves on the new 75-ton cap atop the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico at 17:04 CDT Wednesday, July 14, 2010, left, and the top of the cap at 17:56 CDT on Thursday, July 15, minutes after the flow of oil was choked off. BP vice president Kent Wells said the oil stopped flowing into the water at 14:25 CDT after engineers gradually dialed back the amount of crude escaping through the last of three vents in the cap, an 18-foot-high metal stack of pipes and valves.(AP Photo/BP PLC) NO SALES (AP)
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The view from an approaching helicopter shows the armada of drillships and other vessels surrounding the site of the blown out BP well in the Gulf of Mexico about 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Credit Brett Clanton / Chronicle
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Oil gushes from a valve atop the failed blowout preventer (BOP) at the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill site in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, U.S., in an image captured by the Skandi remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) camera at 7:35 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. BP Plc installed a new cap on its leaking Gulf of Mexico oil well and will start testing today whether this will stop the gusher while work continues on a permanent plug. Source: BP Plc via Bloomberg
EDITOR'S NOTE: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO SALES. (Via Bloomberg)
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GULF OF MEXICO, LA - JULY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Distortion caused by heat.) Ships assist in clean up and containment near the source of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill July 27, 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Work continues to put a permanent plug on the well which has leaked an estimated three to five million barrels of oil. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
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Hairdresser Karen Jackson wears a t-shirt that reads "We've been BPeed on!" on the front of the shirt and "Gulf Oil Disaster 2010-??" on the back Saturday, July 3, 2010, in Orange Beach, Ala. Jackson says she is worried about the effect the spill is having on her community and what will happen if local business continues to falter. "I would hate to have to leave this place. We love it here." She said her business is way off what it should be for the season, "down here we make all of our money in the summer," she says. Her husband's work as an electrician has dried up she says, so he has signed on to work cleanup for BP. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)
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A driver rolls down the highway with messages such as "$ave the Gulf Coa$t" and "Tony Hayward C.E. O of B.P. Give us out Live Back" while driving Sunday, June 27, 2010, in Pensacola, Florida. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)
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This still image from a live BP video feed shows a view from a submersible while checking the integrity of the well head on August 3, 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. BP prepared Tuesday to plug the worst oil leak in history, although the Gulf of Mexico region will be counting the environmental and economic costs for years, perhaps decades, to come. Already delayed by a week due to Tropical Storm Bonnie, the long-awaited "static kill" was put off again at the last-minute when a leak was discovered on Monday in the cap that has been sealing the runaway well since July 15. US spill chief Thad Allen said the leak had been stopped overnight and that the operation to ram in heavy drilling fluids, known as mud, would commence as soon as "injectivity tests" had given the procedure the all-clear. AFP PHOTO / BP == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE / NO SALES / NO MARKETING / NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN == (Photo credit should read HO/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty Images)
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In this image taken from video provided by BP PLC at 12:23 a.m. EDT, Saturday Sept. 4, 2010 Aug. 3, 2010 shows the blowout preventer that failed to stop oil from spewing into the Gulf of Mexico being raised to the surface. The blowout preventer wasn't expected to reach the surface until Saturday, at which point government investigators will take possession of it. (AP Photo/BP PLC) NO SALES (AP)
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DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL. | JULY 4, 2010 : A cleanup worker, wearing a protective coverall and carrying a small scoop, punctuates an otherwise typical holiday beach scene as patrols the beach looking for tar balls on Independence Day. While exact numbers are elusive, tourist business along the Gulf Coast all reported feeling the sting of lost income from a noticeable dip in tourism this summer following the Deepwater Horizon spill. (Houston Chronicle)
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GULF OF MEXICO | JUNE 26, 2010 : Streaks of oil are seen on the surface of the water near the site of the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The amount of oil spilled, and what happened to the oil remains in debate, but in August, the Department of Energy and United States Geological Survey announced, that it estimated a total of 4.9 million barrels of oil had been released from the BP Deepwater Horizon well. (Houston Chronicle)
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GRAND ISLE, LA. | JULY 15, 2010 : Oil containment boom floats just off the pier as fishermen cast lines near the bridge leading to the island after sun sets on the first full day of fishing after a ban on sport fishing was lifted. Commercial fishing remained closed, but happy recreational fishermen flocked to the water on a beautiful evening. Most were BP contractors working on the cleanup. One was Bobby Walker of Houma, La., who said he had been coming to the island to fish for over 30 years and praised the great fishing and natural beauty of the island. "But who would have ever thought I would be here all summer working on the oil spill." (Houston Chronicle)
A man who supervised the BP cleaning efforts along the Mississippi shores claims he was fired after alerting federal officials that the company was falsifying data to make the shores look cleaner than they were, according to court records.
August Walter Jr. filed a whistleblower lawsuit against BP America in federal court in New Orleans last week. The Louisiana man claims the company refused to pick up oil debris from beaches and islands and then misrepresented data to mislead Coast Guard officials into thinking the cleanup was complete.
The company promised to “investigate the allegations contained in his complaint, consistent with our personnel policies and code of conduct. We believe we have demonstrated good faith in meeting our obligations in the Gulf and are committed to treating our employees fairly.”
Walter worked as a state planning lead for BP’s cleanup operations until he was fired on Dec. 9, 2011. While working for BP, Walter claims BP was taking shortcuts and not following the environmental standards required.
“BP refused to follow the plan by picking and choosing what oil to pick up resulted in leaving oil behind,” according to court documents.
Walter said the company was leaving smaller tar balls along Mississippi beaches and islands. In the lawsuit, he claims he was reprimanded by BP supervisors when he tried to report the correct status of the beaches.
The lawsuit also alleges Carla Fontenot, vice president of BP’s Gulf Coast Restoration Organization, said Walter’s support was necessary because “it would have an upward impact on BP stock prices.”
BP Operations Section Chief Mike Harrison demanded that Walter misrepresent data, according to court documents. When Walter refused, Harrison changed the data himself.
Lt. William D. Spoon told The Times-Picuyane that the Coast Guard hasn’t opened a formal investigation into Walter’s allegations but is concerned about them.
I’m sure there’s no way he would just be trying to extend a paycheck, right?
Seriously, are we supposed to believe not even someone from Louisiana or Mississippi would notice if the beaches weren’t really cleaned up and BP said they were? That’s a bit ridiculous.
BP has stepped up for months now and put a lot of effort in the cleanup, as well as a lot of money to support the businesses and communities that were affected. Has anyone else?
I’m not trying to be a cheerleader for BP or anyone. I just think that 21 months after it happened, at some point you have to realize that the assignment is going to come to an end and you’re going to have to move on.
Sounds like somebody’s paycheck was not large enough and that he found himself a lawyer who was more than happy to take on yet another frivolous lawsuit. I imagine August would not be able to distinguish between bird droppings and tar balls and needed some supervision.
Maybe he is telling the truth, and got fired for not wanting to go along with the program that BP was FORCING! I say investigate it and let the chips fall where they may.
Until BP makes sweeping and significant changes in its philosophies and policies, and within its communications and media relations staff in Houston and the U.K., it will continue to be a misguided and non-trustworthy corporate scoundrel with no credibility.
What an idiotic story. All you have to do is visit the beach today and see what you see. Accusations, claims, data on whatever pencil lead size tar ball claims you want to make….. hogwash, the beaches speak for themselves. They are not located on Mars after all! Go see – go visit – silliness and tie up of our constrained judicial system.
Here we go again, spending time and money in court. Wouldn’t it be better to go look at the beach and measure the size of the tar balls? Convene the court on the beach would be the 2nd best choice.
Let August Walter Jr. present his proof to the jury. If they find it not to be true then August should be fed to the gators. His lawyer should be fed to an animal that will eat lawyers, whatever that may be.
Before BP can claim an area is “clean”, the state must inspect the area and sign off. If there was still oil on the beaches, they would’ve refused to sign off and that would’ve meant BP had to stay and clean. The states are trying to get as much $$$ as they can out of BP, so they would not have taken this lightly.
HELPLESS, TEARS: Dealer says load of crab “contaminated with oil” — STATE TRYING TO COVER IT UP ?*Tears and a feeling of helplessness* When looking at a load of newly delivered crab, the smell “knocked us down,” St. Bernard Parish seafood dealer Kevin Heier told Fox 8 New Orleans. “Heier believes the crabs were contaminated with oil,” according to Fox 8. Heier was “in total shock” and had ne… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhUS_5FwNzwgdata.youtube.com
Gee, how can you doubt or challenge the truthfulness and veracity of BP? They have been so up front throughout this whole matter? And what about their truth and veracity regarding the Texas City Plant disaster?
Just another reason why BP does not deserve to do business in this country. They have little respect for the laws, rules, regulation, court agreements and welfare of their own employees. Oh, the spokesmen say, but they produce energy so they should be given a carta blanc!
Imagine this guy thinks that BP would lie about the welfare of the gulf, its business or its people for the sake of saving a little money!
There is no way that BP would falsify data, especially when the spotlight from the entire world was upon them. No employee of any oil company would risk going to jail for their employer. This man is nothing but a disgrundled employee.
CAD1936
You must have had your head buried in the sand since birth. This is just another story of someone stupid being dubbed by a greedy lawyer going after deep pockets. Remember the BP Atlantis lawsuit? Check it out.
Well, well, well. O well. A well full of oil blown into the Gulf and all over the beaches. Well.
Yeah well, well, well. How do we know that it wasn’t the natural tar balls that have been floating up on the Gulf beaches since the dawn of time?
I agree Joe. Some don’t realize that small tar balls occur naturally. He sounds more like a disgruntled employee than anything else.
I’m sure there’s no way he would just be trying to extend a paycheck, right?
Seriously, are we supposed to believe not even someone from Louisiana or Mississippi would notice if the beaches weren’t really cleaned up and BP said they were? That’s a bit ridiculous.
BP has stepped up for months now and put a lot of effort in the cleanup, as well as a lot of money to support the businesses and communities that were affected. Has anyone else?
I’m not trying to be a cheerleader for BP or anyone. I just think that 21 months after it happened, at some point you have to realize that the assignment is going to come to an end and you’re going to have to move on.
Sounds like somebody’s paycheck was not large enough and that he found himself a lawyer who was more than happy to take on yet another frivolous lawsuit. I imagine August would not be able to distinguish between bird droppings and tar balls and needed some supervision.
Maybe he was fired for something else and now he is trying to get even
Aware of BP’s past record in industrial safety, I’m inclined to beiieve Mr. Walter
Maybe he is telling the truth, and got fired for not wanting to go along with the program that BP was FORCING! I say investigate it and let the chips fall where they may.
Until BP makes sweeping and significant changes in its philosophies and policies, and within its communications and media relations staff in Houston and the U.K., it will continue to be a misguided and non-trustworthy corporate scoundrel with no credibility.
What an idiotic story. All you have to do is visit the beach today and see what you see. Accusations, claims, data on whatever pencil lead size tar ball claims you want to make….. hogwash, the beaches speak for themselves. They are not located on Mars after all! Go see – go visit – silliness and tie up of our constrained judicial system.
Here we go again, spending time and money in court. Wouldn’t it be better to go look at the beach and measure the size of the tar balls? Convene the court on the beach would be the 2nd best choice.
Let August Walter Jr. present his proof to the jury. If they find it not to be true then August should be fed to the gators. His lawyer should be fed to an animal that will eat lawyers, whatever that may be.
Before BP can claim an area is “clean”, the state must inspect the area and sign off. If there was still oil on the beaches, they would’ve refused to sign off and that would’ve meant BP had to stay and clean. The states are trying to get as much $$$ as they can out of BP, so they would not have taken this lightly.
HELPLESS, TEARS: Dealer says load of crab “contaminated with oil” — STATE TRYING TO COVER IT UP ?*Tears and a feeling of helplessness* When looking at a load of newly delivered crab, the smell “knocked us down,” St. Bernard Parish seafood dealer Kevin Heier told Fox 8 New Orleans. “Heier believes the crabs were contaminated with oil,” according to Fox 8. Heier was “in total shock” and had ne… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhUS_5FwNzwgdata.youtube.com
Gee, how can you doubt or challenge the truthfulness and veracity of BP? They have been so up front throughout this whole matter? And what about their truth and veracity regarding the Texas City Plant disaster?
Just another reason why BP does not deserve to do business in this country. They have little respect for the laws, rules, regulation, court agreements and welfare of their own employees. Oh, the spokesmen say, but they produce energy so they should be given a carta blanc!
Imagine this guy thinks that BP would lie about the welfare of the gulf, its business or its people for the sake of saving a little money!
There is no way that BP would falsify data, especially when the spotlight from the entire world was upon them. No employee of any oil company would risk going to jail for their employer. This man is nothing but a disgrundled employee.
CAD1936
You must have had your head buried in the sand since birth. This is just another story of someone stupid being dubbed by a greedy lawyer going after deep pockets. Remember the BP Atlantis lawsuit? Check it out.