New evidence cites more BP oil spill mistakes

Interviews and documents obtained by The Associated Press show a BP scientist identified a previously unreported deposit of flammable gas that could have played a role in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But the oil giant failed to divulge the finding to government investigators for at least a year.

Engineering experts differ on the extent to which the two-foot-wide swath of gas-bearing sands helped cause the disaster, but the finding raises the specter of further legal and financial troubles for BP. It also could raise the stakes in the multibillion-dollar court battle between the companies involved.

A key federal report into what caused the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history is set to be released as early as Wednesday.

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