Setback as BP halts projects to cap well

BP froze activity on two key projects yesterday which were meant to choke off the flow of oil billowing from its broken well in the Gulf of Mexico, after days of moving confidently toward controlling the crisis.

The development was a stunning setback after the oil giant finally seemed to be on track following nearly three months of failed attempts to stop the spill, which has sullied beaches from Florida to Texas and decimated the multi-billion dollar fishing industry.

The oil giant and the government said more analysis was needed before testing could proceed on a new temporary well cap – the best hope since April of stopping the geyser. Work on a permanent fix, relief wells that will plug the spill from below with mud and cement, was also halted.