Prevention Plan (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption The survey's proposed prevention plan suggests drilling a relief well at the same time as the original well. In 2010, starting from scratch, it took three months to cap the flow of oil into the ocean. A predrilled well could cap it in a matter of days. Credit Courtesy Richard Carson, UC San Diego Usage Restrictions With coverage of this research License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.