South Florida, East Coast Likely Spared Oil Impact

Government scientists are saying South Florida and the East Coast will likely not see any oil impact from the massive Gulf of Mexico spill.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday that an analysis shows most surface oil remaining in the Gulf has degraded to a thin sheen. The oil is hundreds of miles away from a powerful current that scientists had feared could carry it through the Florida Keys and up the East Coast.

NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco (LOOB'-chihn-koh) says with the exception of Louisiana, much of the northern Gulf shoreline will be spared any additional major impact as long as the well remains capped.

Between 94 million gallons and 184 million gallons spewed into the Gulf before the well was capped more than two weeks ago.