PARIS (AP) — French energy company Total says the rate of a gas leak in the North Sea has slowed significantly since the early days of the accident.
The company originally estimated 200,000 cubic meters (7 million cubic feet) of gas were leaking each day from the Elgin platform, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the Scottish coast.
It said Friday that the rate is now about 67,000 cubic meters.
The company said it is moving a pump into place that will attempt to stop the leak. It has also begun drilling a relief well in case that first plan does not work.
Scottish authorities said this week that tests of water and sediment showed no direct contamination. A chemical analysis of fish is ongoing, though they have passed an initial taste test.