BP s estimated volume is 75-100 bbls. Drilling mud is typically composed of predominantly seawater, ground up clay and a polymer. It may also contain small quantities of petroleum and methanol. The polymer makes the mud thicker and heavier to assist in sealing the drilling hole. The mud lubricates the drill bit, carries cuttings to the surface and helps seal the side of the drill hole.
Investigation is ongoing on the actual contents of the discharged drilling mud.
The spill duration is estimated to be 20 minutes. The mud has formed a continuous layer in the snow approximately 500 ft. wide and 2200 ft. in length from the fractured line. The majority of the spill is to the snow on tundra. The RP is working on the spill cleanup using hand tools. The transfer line has been secured and BP estimates the repair time to be 2 weeks.