ON THE GULF OF MEXICO — A BP official said the company received federal approval to continuously spray chemicals underwater on the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP spokesman Mark Proegler said today the company received Environmental Protection Agency approval and began pumping dispersant on the site starting at 4:30 a.m. today. The company plans to continue spraying and taking tests.

The dispersants had never been tried at such depths before this spill, and officials have been worried about the effect on the environment.

Officials with BP have been encouraged by the underwater spraying, saying it prevents some of the oil from reaching the surface.

An EPA spokeswoman didn't immediately return a telephone call or e-mail.