BP official: Oil has stopped flowing into Gulf of Mexico

Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 2:51 PM     Updated: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 4:16 PM

MOBILE, Ala. -- A BP official said oil stopped flowing from a well in the Gulf of Mexico at 2:25 p.m. today as testing began on a cap over the leak.

It's the first time oil has not leaked from the well since April.

In a technical briefing, BP Senior Vice President Kent Wells said "it felt very good not to see any oil going into the Gulf of Mexico."

"What I'm trying to do is maintain my emotions," Wells said. "Remember, this is the start of our test."

The procedure -- known as a well integrity test -- should determine whether the oil can be blocked without damaging the well.

Officials have said the cap could be used to either block the oil or move the oil to containment ships floating on the surface, until a relief well can be completed.

Gov. Bob Riley, speaking from Dauphin Island this afternoon, said "I think a lot of prayers have been answered today."

BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles, also on Dauphin Island this afternoon, said "getting the flow stopped is a massive milestone, but it's not the end."

Engineers will be monitoring pressure levels in the well over the next six to 48 hours, Wells said, and BP might need to open the well back up.

Drilling of two relief wells has also been suspended during the test out of an "overabundance of caution," Well said. No decisions have been made about when to restart that work.
 
Earlier today, National Incident Commander Thad Allen said the ultimate goal is to get a relief well drilled to plug the gushing well with mud and cement.

 President Barack Obama said the news was a "positive sign," but added "we're still in the testing phase."  The president said he would have more to say on the development Friday.

(Press-Register Staff Reporter Dan Murtaugh and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)