As of August 9, Bp had paid out only $319 million of the $20 billion supposedly available. Payments to the administration fund are quarterly, and could be stopped at any time.

Look for BP to hold back on payments and encourage court actions on the part of claimants, dragging out the process and trying to limit actual compensation.

Americans may be relieved that the oil flow has stopped, but don't expect applause.
Lost fishing, loss of tourism, spending except for necessities limited, and everyone holding their breath about damage to the lower food chain and the future of the ecosystem.
It may be years before trust in the safety of Gulf seafood and Gulf waters is rebuilt.

Surface oil is being cleaned up, but the majority of the flow is still in deeper waters, along with toxic dispersants.