UPDATE: US Orders BP To Report On 'Detected Seep' At Gulf Oil Well

(Updates with full quote from U.S. Coast Guard admiral ordering report) NEW ORLEANS (AFP)--The U.S. government on Sunday ordered BP PLC (BP) to report on a "detected seep" and other "anomalies" near the Gulf of Mexico oil well, as experts monitor the seabed for cracks after the months-long gusher was capped. "Given the current observations from the test, including the detected seep a distance from the well and undetermined anomalies at the well head, monitoring of the seabed is of paramount importance during the test period," Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said in a letter to BP Chief Managing Director Bob Dudley. "I direct you to provide me a written procedure for opening the choke valve as quickly as possible without damaging the well should hydrocarbon seepage near the well head be confirmed." (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 18, 2010 21:10 ET (01:10 GMT)