CVB Oil Spill Informational Meeting
Published on May 05, 2010
The following are highlights received through Share-the-Beach Program listserv.
Patti Hall, Director of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo:
The Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research is overseeing the wildlife rehabilitation response along the Gulf Coast.
Bruce Johnson, BP Spokesperson:
They’ve capped one of the three leaks successfully - this does not slow the flow, but now there are only two leaks to contend with. The dome that has been created to place over the leak has been completed. Within 10-12 hours it will arrive at the location. It will take several days to put the dome in place. We are also drilling a relief well that will take about 3 months to complete. Updated information can be found at http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
Lance LeFleur, Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management:
There is an Area Contingency Plan (ACP) created for these kinds of situations that has been vetted by all agencies involved (which is now being followed).
At the wellhead, they are injecting dispersants at depth, causing the oil slick to break up into small oil droplets that are rapidly diluted and subsequently biodegraded by micro-organisms occurring naturally in the marine environment. Exposure to air, sunlight, & wave action also degrades the oil. They are also restarting the in situ burning today.
There is a two-stage protective process planned for the shorelines– shallow water skimmers & booms to catch what they miss. The booms are being tended and repositioned as needed – the placement is determined by the ACP. The highest priority at this moment is to close off Mobile& Perdido Bay entrances. The port of Mobile will remain open, using a decontamination process for ships entering the area (there will also be a decontamination station at Weeks Bay).
Once the bays are protected, all resources will be focused on the beaches. So far, 7,000 volunteers have called the 1-866 number & BP will donate hourly wages for those volunteers to their chosen volunteer organizations.
Any oil/tar that is beached will be cleaned off of the sand as needed. Any contaminated materials taken from the beach will go to Class D landfills where there is plenty of room available. Oiled water is put through the refinement process.
Mike Schulte, an executive with ESIS (the company hired by BP to handle lost wages and revenue claims):
If you have a claim, call the hotline: 1-800-440-0858 to get a claim number. Once you have that number, an adjuster will contact you. Everything is handled on a case by case basis - the adjuster will help you figure out how to best handle your personal situation.
Don Williamson, Alabama State Health Officer:
Samples closest to the spill detect only 1 part per million of volatile organics – not currently a concern. We will not close the beaches – but will issue swimming advisories as necessary. There are not any issues anticipated with drinking water. It is best to avoid swimming or boating through waters visibly affected by oil, and clean tar off of skin with soap and water only (not solvents).
Herb Malone, CEO Alabama Gulf Coast CVB:
We’re all communicating and cooperating and the most important thing is to stay positive.
Mayor Robert Craft, Gulf Shores:
We’re working closely with Orange Beach, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, BP & Governor Riley. The main focus is getting booms into delicate and protectable areas.
Mayor Tony Kennon, Orange Beach:
We’re working to protect the Perdido Pass – and we’re welcoming any ideas or suggestions that anyone has about how to do that. We’re also pushing BP for economic resources for tourism businesses that are already being affected.
Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director:
We’re working on commercials that say “It’s June 2010, and our beaches have never been more beautiful – come back and visit!”
Dave Stewart, Chief of Staff for Governor Bob Riley:
The oil spill is top priority for Governor Riley – Dave has relocated to the unified command center in Mobile along with staff until this is resolved. We are preparing contingency plans in case a hurricane enters the gulf before this situation has been resolved.
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