Investigating Impact Oil Spill on Waters

Early on, President Barack Obama directed responding agencies to not only devote every resource to respond to this incident, but to also determine it's cause. Also, this event has been deemed as a spill of national significance, which allows the federal government to mobilize additional personnel and assets to fight the spill.

The Coast Guard, federal and state partners in Florida are teaming with others to actively monitor all waters from the Fenholloway River, in Taylor County south to Everglades City, Fla., for any impacts from the spill. On 28th April 28 2010, initial environmental protection planning efforts began by hosting a joint meeting with several pollution response trusties.

At the meeting the group reviewed highly sensitive areas in northern coastal Florida and prepared pollution response strategies. On Tuesday 4th May a meeting with key environmental groups will be held to share information information and discuss pollution mitigation.

"We are working hard to coordinate with all stakeholders well ahead of any impact to our area. If the oil comes this way, we want to seamlessly connect with our partnering agencies and key environmental groups to ensure we are all operating as efficiently as possible," said Cmdr. Tim Haws, chief of response at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.

Image: Environmental Services' workers move oil containment boom onto a supply boat in Venice, LA, USA. Staging areas are being set up along the Gulf Coast to actively identify, target and protect environmentally and economically sensitive areas. Image Courtesy: US Coast Guard, Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Kelley.