Stories about the "Ocean Therapy" centrifuge oil recovery machine, whose development was funded by actor Kevin Costner, have been floating around the press shortly after the BP oil spill began. A couple days ago a reader took issue with a New York Times article we cited regarding this story. Here is his take on what the real scoop is:
"Mr. Costner spent his money on these machines several years ago but sold them, along with the rights, to one of his associates who helped develop the centrifuge. Soon after the BP spill, a local plaintiff attorney and the current owners of the machines formed a company to market the machine. In order to get as much press coverage as possible they invited Mr. Costner to come to Louisiana to assist in getting television and radio coverage. For this he received a portion of the company with no cash investment. There was no donation of the machines, the group is in this to make money. The marketing company refused to test the machines along the Louisiana Coast.
"Plaquimines Parish agreed to donate a boat and barge to take the machines into the marsh to collect oil but were turned down by the owners of the marketing company. They were not going to get paid by the Parish. They are after the big dollars BP may pay. So BP is going to test the machines in West St. Mary's Parish, Louisiana at one of their facilities. By turning down the opportunity to go to the spill and test the machine the politically connected plaintiff attorney who is behind the hype has delayed the deployment of the machine. This has turned into another Louisiana political mess. If the machines live up to the hype it could have been deployed two to three weeks ago and possibly made a difference in saving the marsh lands. The residents of Louisiana need oil clean up--not good press for an actor. Mr. Costner is to be commended for his original interest and investment, but for him to take credit for donating the machine is really sad."
- Marinelink.com reader