BP, the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal and state agencies are acting aggressively to contain and capture the oil offshore to prevent oil from reaching the shoreline. Despite these efforts, shoreline impacts are likely at many locations along theGulfCoast.
If you witness shoreline impacts, please call the telephone numbers below.
To report oiled shoreline: 1-866-448-5816
To report oiled wildlife: 1-866-557-1401
For spill-related damage claims: 1-800-440-0858
If you feel ill due to the oil spill or have oil spill health-related questions, call the Deepwater Horizon medical support line: 1-888-623-0284
What happens after oil reaches shore?
Once oil contamination on the beach is identified through surveillance and monitoring or is reported by the public, activity commences to respond to the situation. The response focuses on safe, effective and efficient removal of the oil contamination while maximizing protection of environmentally sensitive areas, recovery and rehabilitation of wildlife, and minimizing economic impact.
Many times, a newly reported area is already considered in an existing response plan. At other times, review and assessment is necessary to ensure safe and effective removal of the oil contamination without harm to the habitat, wildlife and environment.
The Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Team, working in conjunction with resource advisors, such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, develops a Shoreline Treatment Recommendation Plan within hours of the initial notification. This plan describes the situation, particular habitat, wildlife and environmental concerns, and recommends a plan for removal of the oil contamination while preventing harm or further damage.
Based on this plan, the response team determines the safety plan, necessary equipment and resources. This phase addresses available access roads, sensitive habitats and wildlife refuges, and whether heavy equipment can be safely used on site or if manual removal is required.
Because each shoreline is unique, individual plans are developed and areas are closely monitored to safely and effectively remove the oil contamination in an expeditious manner without harm to humans, wildlife and the environment.
Please be assured that as long as oil is coming onshore, the Unified Command team will respond.
Access more information at:
www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
www.epa.gov/bpspill/whatyoucando.html
Source: Representative Jimmy Patronis, Jr.