The 'Static Kill' Has Sealed BP's Leaky Well: When Will BP's Job in the Gulf Be Done?

Aug. 4, 2010— -- One-hundred-and-seven days into the oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, BP's "static kill" has successfully stopped the flow of oil from the broken well.

Watch 'World News' for the latest on the oil spill tonight on ABC.

The company began pumping heavy kill-mud down the well Tuesday afternoon, pushing the oil deep underground and back into the reservoir. The weight of the heavy mud is now holding back the crude.

Still, it's not the end. BP will now inject cement to close the well permanently. The cement could either be pumped in from the top of the well through the stacking cap or the bottom through the relief wells, a decision that will be made after the mud process is complete. The relief wells are still at least a week away from meeting their target.

But BP at least appears to be nearing the goal of shutting off the well for good.

Some people are afraid that the company will use the good news, combined with reports of "disappearing oil," to begin pulling out clean-up equipment.

Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser says there's still plenty of oil in the water, making its way to sensitive marshlands.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer Monday, Nungesser held up a vial of freshly collected black crude, saying, "This oil that I'm holding was in Barataria Bay at St. Mary's Point. [...] It's shameful that we have to keep proving ourself. I wish there was no oil, I'd rather get my life back, too. But, everyday, oil is appearing somewhere."

Our question to you today: When will BP's job in the Gulf be done?

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