Oil Spill Cleanup Job Instructions
Published on May 12, 2010
Dear ACF Friends and Members,
It is Thursday morning and I awoke this morning, as I have every morning for the past week, to head to the computer to view the latest maps and projections for where and when the oil will reach Alabama's shores. Mother Nature seems to be giving us a blessing of time to prepare for this unprecedented event and I hope that this time is being used wisely by BP and our government officials to come up with a response plan that is safe and takes into account the fragility of our coastal ecosystem.
I know that the past week has been frustrating for many of you, and it has been for the ACF staff as well. No one seems to know where to go for information or what information is accurate. We are working with our local resources to ensure that any updates we receive are broadcast far and wide and that anything we pass along to our members is accurate. This operation is confusing enough without throwing bad intel into the mix!
We are continuing to collect volunteer information and will pass along training information as soon as we receive it! In the meantime, we continue to update our web site and our facebook page as information comes to us. We have also put together a FAQ sheet that will hopefully answer a few of the questions that we have been asked over the phone by many folks.
Lastly, I want to invite you to participate in a pre-event beach clean up in Daphne on Saturday morning. This volunteer update follows below.
Volunteer Update
Pre-Event Alabama Gulf Coast Cleanup – City of Daphne Saturday May 8, 2010 from 9:00 am - 11:00am.
The Alabama Coastal Foundation, City of Daphne, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, Mobile Baykeeper, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division and State Lands Division, Coastal Section are sponsoring a “pre-event” cleanup along Alabama shorelines to remove trash and debris before it becomes oiled and must be treated as hazardous material. Volunteers will meet at Village Point Park Pavilion located off of Main Street in Daphne where volunteers should check in, coordinate activities with captains, receive safety instructions and supplies. Volunteers will then disperse to one of several clean-up locations along the bay shores in Daphne. Once the clean-up is complete, you will check out with your site captain. The check in/check out procedures are very important, regardless of when you arrive or depart, so please make sure to do both.
For safety reasons, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Bring gloves, and wear closed toed shoes. All cleanup efforts will be performed on land and on foot – NO BOATS. Some cameras will be provided, and photography is encouraged!
If you have weather questions or other general questions about this cleanup effort, contact the Alabama Coastal Foundation at 251-990-6002 or email info@joinacf.org for more info.
Volunteer FAQ
Info updated: May 6, 10:45 am
How can I volunteer to assist with the oil spill response?
The Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, and Mobile Baykeeper have been collecting volunteer contact information since Wednesday, April 21st. We are combining our lists periodically and working with government agencies and BP to provide safe and effective volunteer opportunities. To date, we have collected information from over 10,000 volunteers eager to assist in the clean-up effort. All volunteers who wish to assist must undergo special training. Once we know the details (when, where, and to whom it will be available), we will let you know.
BP volunteer hotline – 1-(866) 448-5816
What types of training will be offered?
All volunteers who wish to assist with positions that may come into contact with oil must undergo a BP-sanctioned HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) training and/or wildlife training. This is for your safety and the welfare of wildlife. BP will target specific professionals who have experience in these areas. We are working with our partners to provide training to interested and qualified individuals.
Be cautious of any training offered that requires payment and/or has not been approved by BP or government officials. While organizers may mean well, there is no guarantee that you will be able to assist in clean-up efforts.
I cannot just sit and wait. What can I do now?
Many are frustrated and feel helpless. Here are some things you can do while ACF staff members work to respond to the Oil Release:
Ask high level government officials to provide more information to the public.
Remove debris from the shoreline.
Encourage people with boats to stay out of the water – they are driving over booms and it obviously reduces their effectiveness.
Double check any information you hear in the media.
Support your local environmental groups working on the oil release!
Do not put yourself in danger! Oil is a hazardous material that is potentially toxic. Prolonged exposure can have adverse health effects, especially in children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems.
How can I assist with wildlife rescue operations?
Oiled wildlife should only be handled by trained professionals. Animals affected by oil will be stressed and scared, meaning they are more likely to be in attack mode. Wildlife experts will be contracted by BP to train those interested, but preference will be given to those who have experience with wildlife.
To report oiled wildlife, please call (866) 557-1401 and leave a message. Messages will be checked hourly. Please provide detailed location, your name, and your phone number.
If you enjoy working with animals, local animal rescue organizations are always in need of volunteers. Many zoos and environmental centers also utilize volunteers in their operations. Contact the Humane Society, the ASPCA, or your local animal shelter/rescue organizations for more information.
I have a boat. How can I help?
Do not take your boats into any affected areas as the oil will adhere to your vessel and pollute other areas. Also, the wake from your boat will displace protective boom, allowing oil to get through.
BP is contracting many boat-owners through the Vessel of Opportunity Program. To register, call (425) 745-8017.
I have an idea or product that can help. Who can I call?
To submit alternative response technology, services or products please email horizonsupport@oegllc.com or call (281) 366-5511.
What if I see oil on the shoreline?
To report oil on shoreline: Call (866) 448-5816
What if I smell oil?
EPA has air quality monitors in place and will alert public health officials if high levels of oil are detected. If you smell oil in the air, please call: 1-800-424-8802
I am collecting items to help with the clean-up. Where should I send them?
BP has indicated on many occasions that they will pay for all supplies related to the clean-up. Unfortunately, we are unsure of how the process will work. At this time, there are several locations that are accepting supplies should they be needed. However, we suggest that you wait until specific needs are identified by legitimate organizations before making any purchases or sending supplies.
Remember – the oil has yet to reach Alabama shores. Supplies and resources will be needed for many months. When these needs are identified, we will provide that information. In the meantime, ACF has put normal fundraising and program efforts on hold to handle this crisis. Please donate (Click here to Donate) to support our role in protecting our coastal resources in this difficult time. You can also mail donations to
Alabama Coastal Foundation
Re: Oil Release
PO Box 1073
Mobile, AL 36602
ACF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization supported by individuals like you! Our mission is to improve and protect the quality of Alabama’s coastal resources by identifying and solving problems through education, cooperation, and participation.
Are you hiring?
At this time, ACF is not hiring. Contact your state employment office to apply for positions related to oil release response. In Alabama, apply through http://www.joblink.alabama.gov
We are updating our website at www.joinacf.org as well as our Facebook Page to provide you with the latest information we have regarding the release. Please check back often. If you have any questions or want to provide information to our office, please do not hesitate to contact me at 251-990-6002 or via email at info@joinacf.org. We will be in the office all weekend to answer your calls. Your ideas and support are critical as we continue our work to ensure the response effort is successful.
Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do to fight for our coastal way of life.
Bethany Kraft
Executive Director
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