'Static kill' of breached Gulf oil well could begin within 48 hours

CNN Wire Staff

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://www.cnn.com/video/bestoftv/2010/07/20/ac.right.to.know.cnn.640×360.jpg caption="If crews can get a casing in place, Allen says, the “static kill” operation could begin soon" width=300 height=169]

BP could try an operation by this weekend to permanently seal its breached Gulf of Mexico oil well - but only if federal officials approve the plan and BP gets a crucial casing in place, the government's point man on the oil spill said Wednesday.

The tactic, called a "static kill," involves pumping mud into the well to force oil back into the reservoir below.

Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, who's leading the federal response to the spill, told reporters time is of the essence because of the potential for severe weather coming from the Caribbean. BP is not attempting to get the casing in place until they determine what the weather may do, he said.

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