英语文摘：BP, federal scientists reviewing results of pressure test on Gulf well

HOUSTON, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from BP and the U.S. government were reviewing results of a pressure test on the ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico to determine the next steps to be taken, BP said on Friday.

A "four-hour near ambient pressure test" on the MC252 well in the Gulf of Mexico was completed on Thursday night, BP said in a news release.

BP and the federal science team were reviewing the results and "a recommendation on the path forward" was expected to go to Thad Allen, the U.S. national commander for the oil spill, it said.

A view is seen in the video image captured August 5, 2010 from a BP live feed in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP plugged the damaged oil well in the Gulf of Mexico with cement earlier this month. But the relief wells being drilled are believed to be the most secure way to seal the well for good.

The first of BP's two relief wells had been drilled down some 17,909 feet below the sea level and was only 30 to 40 feet away from the outside casing of the crippled oil well.

BP aims to permanently seal the leaking well with a "bottom kill" after the relief well intercepts it.