Gulf Oil Spill [UPDATED]
Source: NY Times
By now we assume that you’ve all heard about the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. We wanted to update our site to let you all know that we’re actively keeping an eye on what’s happening in the region. Many of our fellow Waterkeeper programs to the south of us are being directly impacted by the spill, yet they are working hard to mitigate the impact this accident may have on their waterways.
For the most up to the minute news and updates on the issue, please follow us on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/ChasWaterkeeper We’ll be updating that page regularly with links and other information.
If you’ve been out of the loop, click here for an interactive timeline detailing what’s happened so far.
For those of you wanting to get involved, please stay tuned; we are working closely with other Waterkeeper programs throughout the region and are drafting a structured game-plan to assure that support is directed properly and effectively.
[UPDATE]
We’ve just received the following email from the Emerald Coastkeeper, located in Pensacola, FL.:
I have been out to the staging area at NAS and to the central command unit in Pensacola. Dozens of booms have been placed in our area. The largest efforts are focused to keep oil out of the inland water areas. BP contractors and the Coastguard are attempting to deflect the oil to an area for catchment. There are three catchment areas as of right now (and dozens of deflection booms).
According to consultants working for BP, the best thing we can do right now to prepare for oil making landfall is to clean up the shorelines. The less garbage and debris on shorelines the easier they are to clean up. I know the weather is not going to be friendly, but if you can get to your favorite shoreline today or tomorrow you can help speed up the clean up process.
DO NOT remove any live plants. Simply remove any garbage, large shells, drift wood, etc. Debris should be removed to the extent that wave and tides can reach.
I was also informed that plans are being made to train and organize volunteers for cleanup efforts in the days and weeks to follow. I will let you know when I hear further details about this.
