Can a Lab Paid by BP Assess the Environmental Damage from the Gulf Oil Spill?

[JBeukema]

The extent of penalties levied against BP for environmental damages will be based largely on analysis by a laboratory paid by BP,the New York Times reported yesterday. That lab, B&B Laboratories, is an affiliate of TDI-Brooks International, a Texas-based firm that "provides scientific services on a global basis with a focus on petroleum geochemistry."
As the Times, notes, these fines could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. BP is footing the bill due to a seemingly well-intentioned law in response to Exxon-Valdez to hold contractors accountable by making them pay the bills, which simultaneously gives BP control over this process.
While TDI-Brooks notes that it has worked with government agencies in the past, the client list on the company's website suggests that the bulk of the firm's business comes from the oil industry. This seemingly lopsided client portfolio raises questions about whether the lab can truly assess these environmental samples without bias. What incentives does TDI have to work in the interest of taxpayers? Does the company feel pressured to be gentle with its analysis? Would an aggressive determination of environmental damage jeopardize future business with BP, or business with any of the other 102 oil companies it lists as clients? Are there any firewalls or other tools in place at the company to ensure there are no internal conflicts of interest?

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Can a Lab Paid by BP Assess the Environmental Damage from the Gulf Oil Spill Without Bias?

 

[westwall]

The extent of penalties levied against BP for environmental damages will be based largely on analysis by a laboratory paid by BP,the New York Times reported yesterday. That lab, B&B Laboratories, is an affiliate of TDI-Brooks International, a Texas-based firm that "provides scientific services on a global basis with a focus on petroleum geochemistry."
As the Times, notes, these fines could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. BP is footing the bill due to a seemingly well-intentioned law in response to Exxon-Valdez to hold contractors accountable by making them pay the bills, which simultaneously gives BP control over this process.
While TDI-Brooks notes that it has worked with government agencies in the past, the client list on the company's website suggests that the bulk of the firm's business comes from the oil industry. This seemingly lopsided client portfolio raises questions about whether the lab can truly assess these environmental samples without bias. What incentives does TDI have to work in the interest of taxpayers? Does the company feel pressured to be gentle with its analysis? Would an aggressive determination of environmental damage jeopardize future business with BP, or business with any of the other 102 oil companies it lists as clients? Are there any firewalls or other tools in place at the company to ensure there are no internal conflicts of interest?

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Can a Lab Paid by BP Assess the Environmental Damage from the Gulf Oil Spill Without Bias?

Probably not.

 

[Luissa]

Probably not!
But are they best company out there?

 

[xsited1]

Can a Lab Paid by BP Assess the Environmental Damage from the Gulf Oil Spill?

Of course they can. Obama has insisted that he’s always been in charge. And since Obama is above reproach, BP will do their job honestly.