Oil spill burns continue to protect Gulf of Mexico's water quality

BP is continuing to ignite sections of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in an attempt to protect the water quality and reduce the spread of the leak.

Burning the oil on the surface of the water is crucial to prevent the chemicals from reaching nearby shores, oil experts told the Los Angeles Times.

Despite efforts to contain environmental damage to the area, concerns have been raised about the effect of burning the oil on marine life, with local environmental groups saying that sea turtles could have been trapped in the fires.

According to the newspaper, BP agreed to let wildlife biologists on the boats to attempt to grab any turtles before the fires were lit.

Operations to contain the oil spill have helped recover 673,497 barrels (23.5 million gallons) of oil since the rig explosion on April 20th.

Over 275 controlled burns have also taken place, resulting in the removal of 238,000 barrels of oil from the surface of the water.

Posted by Joseph Hutton