The EPA was warned that their meddling with the mine risked precipitating a spill. The spill happened because their subcontractor didn't bother to pressure test the water levels in the mine, an obvious thing to do, especially after the warning. The subcontractor then breached the mine causing the spill. That the EPA attempted to walk away from this catastrophe is completely unconscionable. If BP or any other private company caused this disaster, they'd be liable for damages. Why not the EPA?