Robin's Blog for Dauphin Island

Please email Wanda Sandagger if you would like to receive these updates directly.  She can be reached at wsandagger@townofdauphinisland.org.

Subject: May 10 Oil Spill Update 1

TOWN OF DAUPHIN ISLAND UPDATE

May 10, 2010 @ 11:00 a.m.

Check the Town website (www.TownofDauphinIsland.org) daily for new updates.



* IMPORTANT UPDATE:
o “Tarballs” continue to wash up on Dauphin Island (a photo of a tarball is included at the bottom of this email). Although the source of this oil has not been confirmed, it is believed to have been related to the BP oil spill.
o At this time, the beach and water surrounding Dauphin Island have not been closed. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management and Alabama Department of Public Health are monitoring the situation, as well as taking air and water samples, and will make any determinations on beach closures or other health advisories.
o The Joint Incident Command has stated that “pom-pom shaped” material, known as snare booms (photo included at bottom of email), have been placed around Dauphin Island to collect most tarballs prior to them washing further ashore.
o If you see a tarball on the beach or in the water:
1. Avoid contact (see note below, “Are tarballs hazardous to your health?”)
2. Call 1-866-448-5816 to report oiled shoreline.
o What is a tarball?
1. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “When crude oil (or a heavier refined product) floats on the ocean surface, its physical characteristics change. During the first few hours of a spill, the oil spreads into a thin slick. Winds and waves tear the slick into smaller patches that are scattered over a much wider area. Various physical, chemical, and biological processes change the appearance of the oil. These processes are generally called ‘weathering.’ Initially, the lighter components of the oil evaporate much like a small gasoline spill. In the cases of heavier types of oil, such as crude oil or home heating oil, much of the oil remains behind. At the same time, some crude oils mix with water to form an emulsion that often looks like chocolate pudding. This emulsion is much thicker and stickier than the original oil. Winds and waves continue to stretch and tear the oil patches into smaller pieces, or tarballs. While some tarballs may be as large as pancakes, most are coin-sized. Tarballs are very persistent in the marine environment and can travel hundreds of miles.”
o Are tarballs hazardous to your health?
1. According to NOAA, “For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil, while not recommended, will do no harm. However, some people are especially sensitive to chemicals, including the hydrocarbons found in crude oil and petroleum products. They may have an allergic reaction or develop rashes even from brief contact with oil. In general, we recommend that contact with oil be avoided. If contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water, baby oil, or a widely used, safe cleaning compound such as the cleaning paste sold at auto parts stores. Avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, or similar products on the skin. These products, when applied to skin, present a greater health hazard than the smeared tarball itself.
o For more information on tarballs, go to www.response.restoration.noaa.gov/, click on the link to “Responding to Oil Spills,” then scroll down and click on the link in the middle column entitled “Tarballs.”
o Clean-up crews are stepping up efforts to proactively monitor Dauphin Island beaches for tarballs.
o Joint Incident Command reports that clean-up teams are in place and ready to respond to any further tarball appearances on Dauphin Island. Volunteers may be asked to assist in the effort. However, these individuals will be required to have proper Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) training to insure safety.
1. To sign up to be a volunteer, call 251-431-6409 or mbnep@mobilebaynep.com.
2. Spill response training has begun. Open classes will be held at the Mobile Civic Center, West Exhibit Area through May 21. Classes run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals interested in the training should call the BP Spill Response Hotline 866-647-2338 to register.



* Status of the Oil Spill
o Relief well drilling continues and is not expected to provide any results for several months.
o Official projections from the Unified Command indicate that the oil spill will be headed on a more westerly trajectory, with the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana barrier islands feeling the largest effects of the ongoing spill through projections running through Wednesday, May 12th at 6:00 p.m. The map projection is included at the bottom of this email.







INFORMATION SITES AND NUMBERS



www.townofdauphinisland.org – updated information focusing on island issues



www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com – link to latest information about the oil spill, including the initial incident, efforts to stop the leak, projected trajectory, and the Alabama contingency plan.



www.response.restoration.noaa.gov – link to information on the emergency response and restoration process, as well as the latest projected trajectory.



251-431-6409 or mbnep@mobilebaynep.com – to volunteer for clean up efforts.



1-866-557-1401 – to report oiled wildlife.



1-800-440-0858 – to report oil related damage.



1-866-448-5816 – to report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information.



281-366-5511 or HorizonSupport@OEGLLC.com – to inquire about adding your marine vessel to the clean up response fleet.



1-800-392-5658 – Alabama Attorney General’s consumer complaint line to report fraud or price gouging.



Local numbers for the Command Center in Mobile to report seeing oil, smelling oil, or for any other questions related to the oil spill.

* 251-445-8955
* 251-445-8947
* 251-445-8948
* 251-445-8949