New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) -- One of two efforts to seal the ruptured BP oil well in the Gulf once and for all could begin as early as Monday night, officials said.
The "static kill" involves pouring mud and cement into the well from above -- a process that had been delayed while debris from a tropical storm was cleared out.
"I do have a lot of confidence we'll be successful," Doug Suttles, the oil giant's chief operating officer, said Sunday.
It will be followed by a final "bottom kill" after a relief well intercepts the crippled well -- a step estimated to start about five to seven days after the static kill is complete.
However, federal officials remain cautious.
The government point man on the Gulf oil spill last week warned against elevated optimism.
"We should not be writing any obituary for this event," said Thad Allen, a retired Coast Guard admiral.
As the oil giant prepares to launch the latest effort, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is expected to travel to New Orleans Monday. Napolitano will review the oil spill response with federal, state and local officials.
CNN
