On April 10, 2010, exactly five years ago to the day, the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded off the coast of Louisiana, causing detrimental effects to Louisiana’s delicate coastline and the animals that inhabit it, as well as businesses throughout the Gulf Coast region. It was the biggest oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry, which spilled oil into the Gulf of Mexico for several months consecutively. It wasn’t until September 19, 2010 that the well was officially sealed after several failed efforts. Its impact to the coast and the rest of the country is ongoing, however.
For some in Louisiana, the catastrophe became an opportunity. People received monetary settlements for their business and land loss. The state continues to receive funding to expand water management efforts and restore the Louisiana Coast, which had been eroding long before BP ’s unfortunate accident. The oil spill only accelerated the disappearance of the delicate coastline, and local leaders and entrepreneurs in the water management industry have been working hard to find more long-term solutions to help restore and protect the coastline and the ecosystem.
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