costner-capitol-hill.jpgBP has ordered 32 centrifuge machines from Kevin Costner’s Ocean Therapy Solutions to be deployed in the Gulf clean-up effort.

Upon delivery, the machines, tested by BP and found to be highly efficient, will clean 6 million gallons of water per day, separating the oil for commercial reuse.

Costner, who was on Capitol Hill testifying before congress on Wednesday, spent more than $24 million of his own money to develop the machines and said manufacturing is being ramped up for the new demand.

“In a matter of weeks, we can be manufacturing ten of these per week,” Houghtaling said.  “So, we’re hoping by the first of August to have all 32 of these things in the Gulf.”

oil-separating-costner-barge.jpgThe company is also moving toward leasing 16 additional oil sucking and separating machines to Louisiana officials directly.

“We’ve legislated life preservers. We’ve legislated fire extinguishers. We’ve legislated lifeboats and first aid kits,” Costner told congress. “It seems logical that as long as the oil industry profits from the sea, they have the legal obligation to protect it. One of these machines should be on every ship transporting oil, they should be on every derrick, they should be in every harbor.”

The machines will be transported and operated on barges.

(WATCH the video of Costner on Capitol Hill via CNN, or READ/LISTEN to more from WWL Radio)

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