Flushing The Gulf?

The first hurricane of the season is disrupting clean-up efforts, but it could be a net gain:

[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesman Chris Vaccaro] said the winds and higher seas may help “weather” the oil, breaking it up into smaller droplets that are more easily consumed by microbes. While some weathering occurs in all conditions, he said, a major storm “helps by stirring up the water and literally pounding away at it.” ... The rainfall may flush marshes and other sensitive coastal areas, Mr. Vaccaro said.