GULF SHORES, Ala. -- There's a dirty secret buried under Gulf of Mexico beaches after cleanup workers scrape away the oil washing ashore.
Walk to a seemingly pristine patch of sand, plop down in a chair and start digging with your bare feet. Chances are you'll walk away with gooey tar between your toes.
So far, cleanup workers hired by BP have skimmed only the surface, using shovels or sifting machines to remove oil.
The company is planning a deeper cleaning program that could include washing or incinerating sand once the leak is stopped.
But some experts debate whether it's best to just leave it alone and let nature run its course.
