Earlier today, an internal BP document turned up that in a worst-case scenario, Deepwater Horizon could be spewing as much as 100,000 barrels per day into the Gulf.

The estimate of 100,000 barrels (4.2 million gallons/15.9 million liters) of oil per day is far higher than the current U.S. government estimate of up to 60,000 barrels (2.5 million gallons/9.5 million liters) per day gushing from the ruptured offshore well into the sea. The document, which is undated, was released by U.S. Representative Ed Markey, chairman of the energy and environment subcommittee of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. BP had no immediate comment on the document.

The document can be seen here. It shows that in a "normal" spill, the well could be spilling as much as 40,000 barrels per day. The 100,000 figure assumes damage to the well bore.

To understand how serious this is, BP initially claimed the spill was dumping 1,000 barrels per day, then revised that estimate to 5,000 barrels per day. Any executive at a meeting where this was discussed better have a lawyer on speed dial.