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was located between the LMRP and the lower BOP that would fire in the event
the LMRP was raised accidentally. This enabled 4,000 psi closing pressure to be
applied to the BSR through the dedicated accumulator bottles located on the
lower BOP stack. This would seal the wellbore in spite of the loss of conduit
supply pressure from the surface.

F. Forensic Examination of the BOP

1. Retrieval and Transport of the BOP to Michoud

After the uncontrolled flow of hydrocarbons from the Macondo well was
stopped, a team directed by the Unified Area Command and the JIT worked to
retrieve the Deepwater Horizon BOP stack from the sea floor, using the Q4000
vessel. The team successfully retrieved the BOP stack on September 4, 2010.

The JIT took a number of steps immediately following the BOP’s retrieval
designed to preserve the condition of the BOP stack. The goal of these
preservation measures was to displace seawater and BOP stack fluids within the
BOP control system, the hydraulic operating system, and the stack cavities to
minimize corrosion of the BOP stack upon exposure to the atmosphere. To do
this, it was necessary to function a number of the BOP stack components;
however, three sections of drill pipe were discovered inside the BOP stack. The
sections of the drill pipe were removed and preserved for further analysis. The
JIT modified the preservation procedures to prevent disturbance of the
additional drill pipe found inside the BOP stack, and immediately took steps for
wellbore preservation steps in preparation for transport to shore.

After the preservation steps were completed, a barge transferred the BOP
stack to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) Michoud
Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The Michoud facility is a secure federal site
where the examination could be conducted. Site preparation activities included
constructing a test pad capable of supporting the approximately 325‐ton BOP
stack, deployment of environmental containment equipment, and construction of
a temporary structure to house the BOP stack.

2. Scope of the Forensic Examination

The JIT retained Det Norske Veritas (“DNV”) to prepare a forensic testing
plan, to conduct the forensic examination, and prepare a report containing
detailed findings based on the forensic examination of the BOP stack. The

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