The managers decided the test results confirmed the well was in good shape

The well was in good shape, it was in exactly the same condition on the 15th July when the leak was stopped as it was on the 20th April when it blew. The reason it blew was because the cement job failed (Halliburton responsibility) as did the BOP (Transocean responsibility).

The drilling had ceased on the 17th when the cementing job started, at least three separate cement plugs would have been set, and that job was completed. The drilling mud used as counterweight is then replaced with salt water because the drilling mud is toxic and expensive and the BOP is then removed and recovered, a corrosion cap is then placed over the open conductor pipe sticking out from the top of the guide base, then they wait for the Production rig to arrive. Nothing has been replaced or substituted down hole on the Macondo Well apart from the cement plugs.