BP allowed to keep oil cap in place

BP will be allowed to keep its cap on the Gulf of Mexico oil leak for at least another day, the US government said today.

Federal representative Adm. Thad Allen said he authorised the extension after the company pledged to closely monitor the sea floor for signs of a new leak.

Adm. Allen said a government science team held a conference call with BP last night and got answers they wanted about how BP is monitoring the seabed in case any new leaks erupt from the capped well.

He wrote to BP on Saturday to say a seep had been detected a distance from the well and demanded the company step up monitoring of the seabed.

He said today he will only allow the cap to stay on if BP continues meeting its obligations to watch for signs that it could possibly worsen the situation.