OVERVIEW

The Horizon Oil Spill is the largest in the history of the United States.  A drilling rig owned by Transocean Ltd, the Deepwater Horizon, was drilling for oil about 50 miles SE of the mouth of the Mississippi River in the deep Gulf of Mexico.  The rig was drilling in about 5,000 feet of water, and the drill bit had reached about 2 miles below that water bottom.  The drilling was being done by TransOcean Ltd, under contract to BP, often known as British Petroleum.  They were withdrawing the drill and drill pipe to transition the drill site from exploration to oil production when a major blowout and subsequent fire occurred, killing 11 men on the rig, and eventually sinking the drill ship Horizon.  The blowout occurred on April 20, 2010.  Since the blowout there have been variable estimates of how much oil is spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.  Estimates range from 12,000 barrels to over 100,000 barrels per day – current estimates place it at 12,000 to 19,000 barrels per day – only time and better estimates will decide what number of barrels per hour were spilled.  None-the-less there has been an incredibly immense amount of oil released into the Gulf of Mexico.  Much of the oil is dispersed by chemical additives but very large amounts of oil may be subsurface in large, subsurface oil plumes.  There is a raging debate about both the amount of oil spilled and the presence (or absence) of subsurface oil plumes, but time and information should also provide answers to those issues in the near future, for certainly there is a massive amount of oil that has been spilled, the largest oil spill in US history.

Surface and subsurface oil has reached coastal Louisiana and the massive size of the oil patches approaching and touching the coast defies our understanding.  Grand Isle, Elmer’s Island, and Fourchon were among the first beach sites to be defiled by the oil.  While initially absent from the Grand Isle scene, oil spill responders from BP and BP contractors frantically pulled resources in the area to assist in oil clean up and oil booms to minimize oil intrusion into Barataria Bay.  National Guardsmen finished an effort to close the Gulf facing breaches on Elmer’s Island and to establish oil barriers and absorption materials on the Grand Isle beach near the State Park. 

At risk is the very essence that makes Grand Isle a wonderful place to live, work and visit.  Closures for commercial and recreational fishing affect the economy of the area and the state.  Shrimpers, oystermen, commercial fishermen, and charterboat fishermen are out of work.  Some shrimpers have changed their ships to accommodate deployment of oil booms or skimmers.  Beach closures or partial closures tremendously reduce the number of visitors to the island throwing the business community of Grand Isle into a deep financial depression. The impact of this spill to residents and businesses of Grand Isle is enormous.

Your help, via memberships or gifts to Friends of Grand Isle is critical – please help!!

EMAILS TO FOGI MEMBERS

7-6-10:  GeauxPass welcomes Island Aid 2010 visitors!

Thanks to Jane Myers for forwarding this information – go to the Tarpon Rodeo web site to get information about Island Aid.  Go to:  www.tarponrodeo.org

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

GeauxPass welcomes Island Aid 2010 visitors!

Due to the gulf oil spill, this year’s Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo was cancelled and a benefit concert featuring local and national musical acts will be held in its place. To help support continued access to Grand Isle, here’s a tip to maximize your trip: remember to pre-pay your toll before you leave home.

GeauxPass makes it easy, with several ways to pay:

Online: www.GeauxPass.com (Visa or MasterCard debit/credit only)
Kiosk: Five located near the bridge, see website for locations and details (Visa or MasterCard debit/credit only)
Customer Service Center: 1821 South Alex Plaisance Blvd. (Hwy. 3235) (Cash, Visa or MasterCard)

For more info about Island Aid, visit www.tarponrodeo.org.

GeauxPass Customer Service

7-6-10:  Online Weather update

From: Michael Griffin [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:57 AM
Cc: John Richer
Subject: Online Weather Briefing 07/06/2010

7-2-10:  Oil Spill update Lafitte and Grand Isle

From: CRoberts [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 10:47 AM

To: undisclosed-recipients:

Subject: 7-2-2010 oil spill update Lafitte and Grand Isle

Now that the heavy seas and winds from Alex have subsided the response to the oil has resumed. All of the barges have been placed back in Pass Abel, spud barges are being moved into Four Bayou Pass and the pipe boom is being installed on the west and east side of the Pass Abel barges.

Beach clean up has started on the western edge of Grand Isle and Elmers Isle which are the two areas that have seen on shore oil impacts during the last three days. Morning flights have spotted only light oil and sheen in the Grand Isle area.

The skimming fleet has been given clearance to resume operations on the water today. As of this time no permit has been issued by the COE for the rock berms in Pass Abel and Four Bayous. Lafitte operations are conducting an assessment of their booms this AM.

Aerial flights indicated that 80 percent of the boom washed ashore during the storm and will need to be re-set today and tomorrow. Aerial and water assessments are being completed in Lafitte at this time.

The morning flight spotted only one small area of oil about 8 miles off shore.

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

6-30-10:  Coastal Flooding Alert

See the alert below – expect coastal flooding 1-2 foot above normal tides, until 7:00 pm and it may be continued beyond that. 

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

New event. Coastal Flood Advisory from 6/30/2010 3:59 AM to 7:00 PM CDT for 70358. More information.

6-27-10 #2:  Additional Oil Impact Expected

Reports from air flights show the following:

The heaviest oil observed was South and East of the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River.  They observed very large streamers beginning 2 miles due South of  Southwest Pass, extending as far as they could see to the Southeast.  The trajectory observed was to the Northwest toward Grand Isle and the Barataria Bay. 

--------------------------------------------------

Forwarded from the office of:

Chris Roberts
Councilman, District I
Jefferson Parish

6-27-10 #1:  Tropical Cyclone Alex Update

The latest NWS Lake Charles Online Weather Briefing is now available at the following link:
Tropical Cyclone Alex Update
Sunday, June 27, 2010
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/media/lch/owbrief/owbrief.html

6-26-10 #2: Spahr's Restaurants donate to Friends of Grand Isle

Thought you might find this of interest.  Thanks to Adam Unger for forwarding this to me.  Many thanks to Spahr’s Restaurants for their generosity. 

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

337 280-0052

Spahr’s donating proceeds to ‘Friends of Grand Isle’

Money from all 3 restaurants on June 29 should exceed $10,000

With an uncertain future hanging over the entire seafood industry in Louisiana, Spahr’s Seafood is making a huge sacrifice.

The seafood chain, which consists of three restaurants, will donate all of its proceeds on Tuesday, June 29 to help those in Grand Isle who have been affected by the oil spill.

Donald Spahr, who owns the chain along with Ted Bergeron and Brent Roger, said that profits from all three restaurants should exceed $10,000. That money will be given to Friends of Grand Isle, a non-profit organization that first got its start supporting and aiding residents and small business owners in Grand Isle who were victims of severe storms.

Now, the group is helping those affected by the oil spill.

“Everybody can’t always get down there (Grand Isle) to help, so this is a way that we, and everyone who eats in the restaurant that day can contribute and help those that have been affected by the oil,” Spahr said.

The owners of Spahr’s know what it’s like to have to deal with a tragedy.

Spahr’s first location in Des Allemands burned down in 2002 and it would be four years before the restaurant reopened.
During that four-year period, Spahr’s also opened a location in Thibodaux and one in Houma.

Right now, Spahr said all three restaurants are doing better than ever.

“Our business has actually increased since the oil spill,” he said. “I know we will be affected in the future, but right now, everything’s fine.”

Spahr did say that the restaurant prices have started to increase because of the extra cost associated with finding fresh seafood now.

 The locations that will be donating proceeds include:

 •Spahr’s Des Allemands
3682 Hwy. 90 East
(985) 758-1602

 •Spahr’s Houma
1400 W. Tunnel Blvd.
(985) 873-8740

 •Spahr’s Thibodaux
601 West 4th St.
(985) 448-0487

6-26-10 #1:  Tropical Storm Alex = Briefing

Latest update – Tropical Storm Alex is expected to hit the Yuccatan Peninsula sometime this evening, lose strength, cross the peninsula and emerge in the Gulf sometime Sunday afternoon, evening.  From there the current projections place landfall in the Gulf somewhere between Brownsville, TX and Tampico, Mexico.  BUT I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO WATCH THE STORM FROM SUNDAY EVENING ON AS THE PROJECTED PATH AND ERROR IN THE PATH IS QUITE LARGE. 

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle

337 280-0052

The latest NWS Lake Charles Online Weather Briefing is now available at the following link:
Tropical Storm Alex Forms in the Western Caribbean
Saturday, June 26, 2010
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/media/lch/owbrief/owbrief.html

6-25-10 #3:  A storm system you should watch over the next week -Online Weather Briefing

Here ‘tis.  Hopefully it will go into Mexico but I do recommend that you watch this storm.  It is unusual to have a storm like this early in the season, but that’s why the season starts June 1. 

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

From: Michael Griffin [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, June 25, 2010 3:37 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Online Weather Briefing 06/25/2010

6-25-10 #2:  Online Weather Briefing 6/24/10

Please note that there is a possibility that this storm system will enter the Gulf of Mexico by Sunday.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

Begin forwarded message:

From: Michael Griffin <>
Date: June 24, 2010 12:26:50 PM MDT
To: undisclosed-recipients: ;
Subject: Online Weather Briefing 06/24/210

6-25-1- #1:  Update Barge Plan and Pass blocking

From Chris Roberts, Councilman, Jefferson Parish

We have finished putting all the barges we can in Pass Abel today. We have begun erecting pipe boom in this pass to connect the barges to the shoreline. This work should be completed by Monday. 

Barges are now being moved into place in Four Bayous. This work should be completed by the end of next week if we do not run into any problems with the pile driving. The state issued its permit for our rock plan today. We are only waiting for the permit from the Corp of Engineers. The rocks are sitting on barges in Marrero waiting to be moved to Grand Isle. The COE is supposed to give us an answer by the end of the day tomorrow. 

Lastly we are closely monitoring the tropical system in the Caribbean Sea. It may enter the Gulf by Sunday and has a chance of turning into a tropical storm or minor hurricane.

6-23-10 #3:  Wildlife and Fisheries announces partial openings near Grand Isle

Thanks to Shawn O’Neill for pointing this out.

PRESS RELEASE

LDWF Announces Fishing Openings in Portions of Bayou Lafourche and other Lafourche Inside Waters

Click on the map to view full size

BATON ROUGE (June 23, 2010) - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following opening to recreational and commercial fishing in a portion of Bayou Lafourche and a portion of inside waters east of Bayou Lafourche in Lafourche Parish effective immediately, today June 23.

Fishing Opening
The portion of state inside waters north of 29 degrees 09 minutes 29 seconds north latitude from the eastern shore of Bayou Lafourche to the Fourchon Road (LA Hwy 3090) and north of LA Hwy 1 from 90 degrees 07 minutes 00 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Bayou Lafourche and the portion of Bayou Lafourche itself north of the LA Hwy 1 bridge in Leeville.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.

Click for map detail sheet one, detail sheet two, and detail sheet three

6-23-10 #2:  Tropical Storm Update

An update on the storm or Tropical depression.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

The latest NWS Lake Charles Online Weather Briefing is now available at the following link:
Caribbean Tropical Wave Update
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/media/lch/owbrief/owbrief.html

__________________________________________________________________________

NWS Lake Charles would like your feedback on the Online Weather Briefing!  To send feedback, please .
To add an email address to the NWS Lake Charles Online Weather Briefing list, please .
To remove an email address, please .

6-23-10 #1: Chef John Folse & Media Lunch

Thanks to Bridgeside Marina for the following on a media lunch

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

From: Kristy Johnson [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Danling; Roslyn Leto
Subject: Chef John Folse & Media Lunch

Good afternoon Buggie:

We are looking forward to providing a seafood luncheon for the media and joining with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board and several of America's leading chefs as well as performance artist Michael Israel in Grand Isle on Monday June28th for a blessing of the Gulf and press conference to show our united support of Louisiana's fisherman and seafood supplier.

As we discussed earlier today Mr. Israel will be performing LIVE. You can find examples of his past performances at  www.michaelisrael.com  

Mr. Israel has asked that we provide him with the below items for his performance. I know you are checking with your group to see which of the items below you would be able to get - just let me know what you find out and I will coordinate obtaining the remaining items. 

Myself and a couple of representatives from Chef John Folse & Company will be down there tomorrow (Wenesday) to visit Bridge Side Marina. We can reivew over the items that will still be needed then.

If you have any questions please feel free to call my cell phone 225.270.6959.

Than you for all your help!

See you tomorrow,

Kristy Johnson

6-22-10 Update on Caribbean Storm

It is that time of year again where severe storms may hit our coast.  I will from time-to-time send you updated materials on these storms as they develop and in particular as they approach our Grand Isle (heaven forbid!).  I also have access to post-storm materials that I will pass along should a storm hit our coast.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

6-21-10 Larry King Alive at 7 tonight

Well – the star interview I thought was going to be on Larry King last week didn’t happen, although Larry King did spend some time talking about the oil spill.  I’m told he will be on tonight at 7 with a two hour special dedicated to the oil spill – I’m going to watch it.  Also, Bridge Side in Grand Isle will have the special on live as well.

6-19-10 Petition - regarding the Moratorium on Offshore Drilling

The following is regarding a petition seeking to change the Moratorium from 6 months to 30 days.  Given the moratorium’s wide interest in Louisiana I thought it would be best to send it to you -

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

  
This is a petition that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal asks all Americans to sign. It takes about 20 seconds; please take the time.

For those of you not on the Gulf Coast, as disastrous as the BP incident has been, this moratorium will constitute "A Second Oil Disaster", in that it will cause a slowdown/shutdown in many oil and gas operators and related service companies, as well as have a huge economic ripple effect on the state. Louisiana can ill-afford another devastating blow, after the spill, clean-up, destruction to the fishing industry, tourism industry, etc.

 Since 1947 over 42,000 wells have been drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. We can responsibly continue oil and gas exploration in the Gulf without a 6-month moratorium.

If the site gives you an error, it's because of heavy traffic. Just try again.

 http://www.crt.state.la.us/GEST/Petition.aspx

6-17-10 #3 Relief well drilling ahead of schedule

From the Independent Weekly

June 17, 2010

Relief well drilling ahead of schedule

Development Driller III is ahead of schedule and will be passing by the wellhead in about three weeks, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said in a operational update this morning.

The relief well has been estimated to be completed by mid-August. Allen said the effort is currently ahead of schedule, but once the drill passes the wellhead, the last 1,000 feet of work to intercept the pipe is particularly difficult. So, there is no guarantee that the relief well will be complete any earlier than anticipated.

Development Driller III is currently at 9,467 feet below the sea floor. Development Driller II, which is drilling a backup relief well, is moving forward at 4,560 feet below the sea floor, Allen said. He gave no estimate for how long it would take to kill the well once the pipe is intercepted.

The containment cap and recently installed Q4000 system continues to capture oil and gas and bring it to the surface. Allen said they hope to be capturing 28,000 barrels a day by next week.

By the end of this month, about 53,000 barrels a day are expected to be captured. That number will be increased to between 60 and 80 barrels a day by mid-July.

In July, they plan to replace the existing containment cap with a new one that can have multiple hoses attached to it, Allen said.

Over 2,000 vessels of opportunity have been registered to assist with spill cleanup. The challenge is to organize all the vessels, which outnumber the Coast Guard's own fleet, Allen said. They are looking into putting tracking devices on some of the boats and linking them with aerial surveillance.

Posted by Sharon Hong at June 17, 2010 08:34 AM

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

6-17-10 #2 NOLA CHEFS FOR FISHERMEN AND FAMILIES EVENT- Saturday, June 19th - Bridgeside Marina

Thanks to Buggie and Dodie at Bridgeside Marina.

We’ll see you on Saturday- Buggie!! 

This piece ran on WWL-TV: http://rcpt.yousendit.com/892375131/133382f0bc65c36409ce7725bce08219 

BACKGROUND:

-For 2 hours, New Orleans’ top chefs will give the people of the Louisiana Gulf Coast a break from the last 60 days.  These chefs have always relied upon the fishermen and now the tables are turned. 

-Children will enjoy snowballs and learn how to play soccer from the New Orleans Jesters. 

-Families will enjoy fresh food and are encouraged to take home food for later.   

-They’ll be treated to the sounds of New Orleans’ Cultural Ambassador Irvin Mayfield as well as entertainer Mark Adam Miller. 

REQUEST FOR PROMOTION

NEW ORLEANS CHEFS RALLY FOR FISHERMEN AND FAMILIES OF GRAND ISLE, LA- Early Father’s Day Present

Roughly one year ago (June 14th), forty-five of New Orleans top chefs rallied on behalf of Executive Chef Matt Murphy of The Ritz-Carlton and his family to create the “Chefs for Chef Matt Murphy” fundraising benefit.  Now, Murphy is organizing the chefs, restaurateurs and local companies that came to his aid while he was in a coma to create the “Chefs for Fishermen and Families” event on Saturday, June 19th at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle, Louisiana.  This is an early Father’s Day present!

The Bridge Side Marina, where the Grand Isle fishing rodeos take place, is owned by Buggie Vegas.  In a recent Washington Post article, Vegas said that "Everybody feels alone," he said of the town's residents. "We were used to working together every day, and then it just stopped."  

Chef Murphy is organizing the event along with Wendy Waren of the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and Kara Pigeon of Signature Destination Management Company to bring the community together and to give them a day of rest. Entertainer Irvin Mayfield and his Playhouse Review (www.irvinmayfield.com) along with Mark Adam Miller (www.markadammiller.net) are donating their time to provide a musical backdrop for the day. 

After an emotional meeting with Buggie Vegas, owner of Bridge Side Marina last week, Murphy and the organizing team are working with the Mayor of Grand Isle David Camardelle.  At a Congressional panel on June 10^th, Camardelle said “I want to continue to hold the American flag…I’m going to continue to feed my people.  I just need your help. It’s like a war and I’m on the front line.”  The “Chefs for Fishermen and Families” event is meant to be the first of many to help to feed the people the people and bring them together for the day, giving them a break from the front lines. 

Chefs/Restaurants:

• 5 Fifty Five: Chef Mark Quitney- Fudge Farm Pork Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw and Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Adolfo Garcia Restaurants: Chef Miles Prescott of RioMar, Chef Jared Ralls of La Boca and Chef Joshua Smith of a Mano and Chef/Proprietor Adolfo Garcia- Shrimp Chorizo, White Beans and Tres Leches 
• Brigsten’s: Chef Frank Brigsten- Fried Catfish with Roasted Jalepeno Tartar Sauce
• Broussard’s: Chef Tory Stewart and the Preuss Family- Red Beans and Rice and Bread Pudding
• Café Giovanni: Chef Duke LoCicero
• La Cote Brasserie: Chef Chuck Subra- Duck and Andouille Gumbo and Bread Pudding
• M Bistro: Chef Matt Murphy- Chicken and Jambalaya
• MiLA: Chef Slade Rushing- Tomato and Cornbread Salad.
• Phil’s Grill: Chef Phil deGruy- Alligator Sliders
• Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group: Chef Haley Bittermann- Corporate Executive Chef, Chef Brian Katz of Redfish Grill and Chef Chris Montero of Bacco’s- Alligator Sausage and Seafood Gumbo, Grilled Crawfish Remoulade, Roasted Chicken and Rigatoni
• Shula’s: Chef Lou Sander- Lacquered Duck
• Taceaux Loceaux: Chef Maribeth del Castillo and Alex del Castillo
• Zea’s: Chef Greg Reggio

Local Companies:

• Community Coffee: Iced Tea and Water
• Louisiana Restaurant Association: Volunteers
• New Orleans Jesters: Team members will teach the children of the region how to play soccer
• Snoball Baby: Snowballs

Entertainment:

• Irvin Mayfield and the Playhouse Review-  www.irvinmayfield.com
• Mark Adam Miller- www.markadammiller.net  

WHO: New Orleans Chefs, Restaurateurs and Local Companies

WHAT: “Chefs for Fishermen and Families” Event

WHEN: Saturday, June 19th from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Bridge Side Marina, 1618 Highway 1, Grand Isle, LA, 70358

Website: http://www.bridgesidecabinsandmarina.net/

6-17-10 Pictures from "Way Back When"

Thanks to Jane Myers for sending this – a series of historical pictures for Grand Isle – hard to date them but it seems they are from the sailboat era.  Go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fonville/sets/72157603965073245/show/with/2241119547/

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

6-15-10 Watch Larry King, Thursday

I received a call from Wayne Keller, Executive Director of the Grand Isle Port.  He noted that a film star, one Ian Summerholder (forgive spelling if it is incorrect).  Mr. Summerholder is a star on one of the Vampire series – and according to my Grand daughter, age 11, a real heart throb.  He visited Grand Isle, even signed autographs, and noted he will be on Larry King’s TV program on Thursday (I assume it is this coming Thursday).  He wants to draw national attention to the plight of Grand Isle and to seek funds for the residents of the island.

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

337 280-0052

6-14-10 #2 Bit Tooth Energy The Gulf Deepwater Oil Spill - EPA changes its mind

The content of this email got hung-up in a SPAM folder managed by AT&T’s contract with Yahoo, hence it is a bit late but interesting none-the-less as to what EPA is doing - see the comment/explanation toward the end particularly..

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

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Bit Tooth Energy

A little worn - but still seeking and providing information on energy

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Gulf Deepwater Oil Spill - EPA changes its mind

The concerns over the oil leaking from the BP well in the Gulf are increasingly focusing on the amount of oil that is still leaking from the well, and the overall rate at which the well has been producing oil and gas in the past. It is now possible to view the site where the riser insertion tube (RIT) is drawing oil from the well. Clearly there is still a considerable amount of gas and oil escaping into the sea, despite BP now drawing some 5,000 bd up through the RIT. This has led BP to recognize that the spill is larger than had originally been estimated. (Note that there are live feeds from Senator Nelson’s office and the House both of which can be overloaded with demand. (They were when I just tried to get an illustrative frame.) This, instead, is a shot from a video of the remaining leak that is just above the BOP, and that is not currently addressed, but should also be stopped when the well is killed.

Source Youtube

Part of the problem remains in the complexity of the flow of an expanding gas in oil, coming out into an unconfined (apart from the sea pressure) space. Estimates of the flow have ranged up to 100,000 bd. At the moment the evaluation is relying largely on either visual evaluations, or relatively crude analysis, albeit with sophisticated systems, based on estimated behaviors of the flow volumes. Whether the flow has, as BP have stated, been significantly reduced by the RIT tap, or whether the current tap has had little significant effect is largely, at present left up to individual judgment without measurements of the actual flows. Unfortunately useful real information is not being provided in quite the open and transparent way that BP and the Unified Command had originally promised. And, having watched the video of the flow intermittently this afternoon, it largely depended on where the ROV had positioned the camera as to how much gas was visible in the plume.

Since BP are the ones getting much of the data, it is therefore not surprising that the Federal Government is beginning to lose patience with them over this situation. It may be, as BP have stated, that a higher proportion of the flow is natural gas, and that this distorts the evaluation at the mouth of the riser. However it is possible, based on other available measurements, including those established using the gamma ray survey equipment from Sandia, to get a ball-park estimate of the flow upstream of the riser end. It is disappointing that BP has chosen not to make that information public.

Public anger at BP is continuing to build. The arrival of oil, both as crude and emulsion in the Gulf Shores is going to become significantly worse in the short term, and questions will likely turn to how this oil was able to circumvent the booms that have been put in place to contain it.

At the last count the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command lists the following efforts to stop the oil reaching the shore:

• Personnel were quickly deployed and more than 24,000 are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife.
• More than 1,000 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.
• More than 1.43 million feet of containment boom and 560,000 feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 370,000 feet of containment boom and 1.28 million feet of sorbent boom are available.
• Approximately 8.3 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.
• Approximately 655,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—600,000 on the surface and 55,000 subsea. More than 340,000 gallons are available.

17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.

It is, perhaps a little surprising, seeing this effort that the oil has been able to bypass the barriers and to come ashore in the volumes that are being reported. Regardless of the outcome of the top kill try that will likely take place this weekend , the oil that has been released will be the center of public attention for the next few weeks. Public concern has already led EPA to change their mind over the use of the dispersant Corexit 9500 being injected into the flow underwater. (A selection previously approved by EPA, after testing both on the surface and with undersea release.) But if the kill works this weekend, that concern will go away, while the concerns over the quantity of the oil released and its effects on the beaches and marshes will become more of the headline.

The EPA directive reads in part:

1. Sampling of dispersant/oil and oil‐only waters must be continued per the Directive, and in addition, baseline data of waters without direct application of dispersant or oil shall also be collected by BP. Monitoring of subsurface dispersant application by BP shall be performed from a vessel capable of performing all requirements of the May 10, 2010, Dispersant Monitoring and Assessment Directive and Addendum 1 on each day that dispersant is applied. As used in this Addendum 2, a “day” shall mean a calendar day.

2. Within 24 hours of the issuance of this Addendum 2, BP shall identify to the FOSC and the EPA RRT Co‐chair for EPA’s and the FOSC’s approval, one or more approved dispersant products from the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule that are available in sufficient quantities, are as effective at dispersing the oil plume, and have a toxicity value less than or equal to 23.00 ppm LC50 toxicity value for Menidia or 18.00 ppm LC50 for Mysidopsis, as indicated on the NCP Product Schedule (http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/ncp/tox_tables.htm). The less toxic dispersant product(s) shall be used by BP for surface application and subsurface application as directed by the FOSC. Within 72 hours after submitting the list of alternatives, and after receiving EPA approval, BP shall immediately use only the approved alternative dispersant.

Posted by Heading Out at 12:40 AM

Labels: Deepwater Horizon, oil spill, riser insertion

2 comments:

porsena said...

I'd like to post a comment here about dispersants, the change of mind referred to in this thread's title. And since, HO, I know a little about you, let me reciprocate with a one sentence background about me. I've spent roughly 15 years in the Canadian equivalent of EPA, another 15 as a science manager in an oceanographic institute, and 10 running a small environmental consulting company. For readers to whom the term is a new one, the LC50 figures in your quote from EPA refer to the concentration that kills 50% of the test organisms in a bioassay, a number usually calculated from a 2-day or 4-day exposure. Menidia (a small fish) and Mysidopsis (a shrimp) are two of the organisms used in bioassays as the aquatic equivalent of laboratory rats. So we have EPA calling here for a less toxic dispersant, which has an LC50 to shrimp greater than 18 ppm.

Death (LC50) is not the only relevant endpoint. Any dispersant, will increase the biological availability of the more toxic components of oil. This enhances not only lethality but also the probability of sublethal effects. One of the issues with dispersing oil at depth in the water column is that it's much more resistant to degradation there, and in the sediment, than it is exposed to air, nutrients and mixing at the surface. It's also inaccessible to cleanup efforts until it comes ashore, as some of it it will. Trapped in the water column, the lighter fractions of the oil dissolve and it's these lighter fractions that are the most toxic to marine life, with potential for a range of reproductive, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.

As dispersed oil degrades, its buoyancy slowly decreases and it should eventually sink or in other ways enter the sediment, unless it comes ashore first. Once oil (dispersed or not) enters the sediment, the rate of degradation slows dramatically as an adequate oxygen and nutrient supply becomes more of a problem. Storms are quite effective at moving sediment towards and onto the shore, so 'fresh' contamination from this incident can be expected onshore, mostly likely in the Eastern GOM, for years and years and years to come.

The main vehicles for dispersant application in this incident have been aircraft and vessels. With aircraft, obtaining adequate mixing of the dispersant with the oil isn't possible; it’s even difficult with vessel application. For the aircraft applications, natural mixing though the action of wind and breaking waves is pretty much it; calm conditions make that mixing even less efficient. If the dispersed oil sinks before it drifts ashore, see above. If it doesn't, and I've seen news video of what looks to me a lot like dispersed oil in the marshes, well we're back to enhanced toxicity. As the saying goes, you pays your money and you makes your choices, none of which are consequence-free.

I apologise for going on at length about this, but the comments I’ve read on TOD suggest to me that most readers here will be relatively unfamiliar with the questions surrounding dispersant use. Those interested in reading more about the complexity of the decision to apply or not to apply, could look at Oil Spill Dispersants: Efficacy and Effects, a 2005 publication of the National Academies, starting around page 39. In oversimplified terms, the decision is a tradeoff between protecting shoreline resources or protecting pelagic and benthic resources. In a blowout like this one, it's not a question so much of protecting the environment as it is of deciding which components of the environment you're more and less willing to see damaged. Interagency spill response groups go through periodic exercises to evaluate just what might be the preferred responses to almost every imaginable situation, allowing decisions to be made in situations like this more quickly when the time comes. And the decision is never made on the basis of science alone, no matter how much scientists like me like to argue the case.

May 22, 2010 11:05 PM

Heading Out said...

Thanks for this background, I suspect I will refer to it more once the emphasis shifts from killing the well to the cleanup.

6-14-10 Mobil Gulf Observatory - an IPhone app for Gulf's wildlife

If you have an IPhone, I thought you might find this information on the Mobil Gulf Observatory or MoGo of interest -

MoGO is a free iPhone™ app that turns you and your iPhone™ into a ‘citizen scientist’  helping wildlife experts find and rescue oiled birds, sea turtles, and dolphins. The MoGO app allows you to take and submit photos of oiled, injured, and dead marine and coastal wildlife; tar balls on beaches; oil slicks on water; and oiled coastal habitats. 

Once you upload your photo, the locations of oiled and injured wildlife are pin-pointed with a GPS code generated by your iPhone™. You are then immediately connected to the Wildlife Hotline to report your observations so trained responders can be deployed to rescue oiled and injured animals, and to mobilize efforts to protect and restore vital habitats for fish and wildlife.  

Go to www.savegulfwildlife.org for more details.

6-11-10 Update from Lafitte

The following is from Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

From JP Emergency Management:

We met today with the Coast Guard, Shaw Group and BP officials on the proposed barge plan. Everyone was on board with the plan but we were not able to get a final approval because survey crews have not surveyed and marked all pipelines in the passes.

The survey firm has promised to put four crews on this project tomorrow.

Once this data is provided the final piling and barge plan can be completed.

On a positive note both the COE and State issued emergency permits for the pilings this evening. We have the permission to place the anchor pilings once the Coast Guard approves the final plan.

 The modeling for the rock plan is moving forward and we should have a model to propose to the COE by mid-week. I would like to say that this is going to go smoothly but there is going to be opposition and we will have to fight through this.

Oil continues to enter the bay and has actually reached the northern boom line from Bayou St. Dennis east to Plaquemines Parish. Skimming is taking place throughout the bay but the oil is overwhelming this effort.

End of Report

___________________________________

6-9-10 From Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman & JP Emergency Management

From JP Emergency Management:

We continue to press forward with barge and rock plan. The barge plan itself is not being met with major resistance but the state and Coast Guard are asking for detailed modeling on the effects of the barges on the currents and the volume of water flowing into and out of Barataria Bay. 

The barge plan does not require a permit from the Corp of Engineers.  A BP subcontractor is surveying the area and marking the exact location of oil and gas pipelines in the project locations. Barges are currently being brought to Grand Isle and will be staged there until they are ready to be placed in the passes. Once a draft site plan and model is developed by the Shaw Group we will begin a final review process with the state and Coast Guard. 

We hope to have a plan to review by Friday. If all goes well we hope to begin moving barges into place late next week. The rock plan will take longer to gain approval. There are many questions about the effects of rocking off the passes on the Bay and its ecosystem. This will have to be addressed in the models and be reviewed by the Corp.  

End of Report

--------------------------------------------------

Forwarded by:

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

And this from Ann Smith, VP for FOGI

6-9-10 #2 Press Release from BP

BP TO DONATE NET REVENUE FROM MC252 WELL

LEAK TO PROTECT AND REHABILITATE

WILDLIFE IN GULF STATES

As part of its commitment to restore the environment and habitats in the Gulf Coast region, BP today announced that it will donate the net revenue from oil recovered from the MC252 spill to create a new wildlife fund to create, restore, improve and protect wildlife habitat along the coastline of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.  The creation of this fund is over and above BP’s obligations under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

BP’s net revenue from the sale of oil recovered from skimming operations and the well containment systems will be deposited into this newly-created fund.  At this point, BP cannot predict the total of amount of net revenue that will be deposited into the wildlife fund. The amount of funding will be contingent upon the amount of oil collected during operations and the price at which the oil is sold. BP will provide regular updates on the amount of proceeds being deposited into the fund.

“We’ve already launched the largest environmental response in history, and BP is committed to protecting the ecosystems and wildlife on the Gulf Coast. Proceeds from the sale of oil recovered from the MC252 well will be used to further this commitment,” said Tony Hayward, BP’s chief executive officer. “We believe these funds will have a significant positive impact on the environment in this region.”

The creation of wildlife fund is the latest example of BP’s commitment to help the Gulf Coast states and their residents.  On May 24, 2010, BP announced a commitment of up to $500 million for an open research program studying the impact of the Deepwater Horizon incident, and its associated response, on the marine and shoreline environment of the Gulf of Mexico.

BP Press Office London: +44 20 7496 4076

BP Press office, US: +1 281 366 0265

Unified Command Joint Information Center: +1 985-902-5231

www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

www.bp.com/gulfofmexicoresponse

— ENDS —

6-7-10 Grand Isle End of Day Report

-----Original Message-----

From: CRoberts [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 9:18 PM

To: undisclosed-recipients:

Subject: Grand Isle End of Day Report 6 7 10

From JP Emergency Management:

We continue to work on getting the barge plan in place to block Coup Abel and 4 Bayous. BP and USCG has approved the use of barges and rocks to protect these passes and will pay for these measures.

The barges are being shipped to Grand Isle as we speak but cannot be put into place until surveys are completed identifying barge locations and that of underground pipelines. In addition computer modeling of the effects of the current from these barges and rocks must be submitted to show that damage to the islands will not result from these efforts.

We will work with the State Coastal Office to get their buy into the rock plan. An anchoring plan using spud barges and pilings will be used to hold the barges in place. We probably will not see the barges put into the passes until next week. The rocks will not be put into place until the COE issues an emergency permit

End of Report

From:  Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

6-6-10 #2 Grand Isle - Pass Blocking News

From Homeland Security Chief Deano Bonano, Jefferson Parish

I just completed a conference call with Capt. Laferriere and BP Ops Chief Mike Smith. They actually told  me that the oil that is entering the Bay will not cause long term damage to the environment.

Next they said that we agreed today on a plan to barge Pass Abel and Four Bayous. At the meeting today in Grand Isle they did not agree to anything. All they said was that they would take it back to Houma for approval.

We made it clear that they we had to have an answer tonight. The Captain told me that a decision was just made to approve the barge plan for a trial using barges at Coup Abel and Four Bayous. 

That is great news but the decision was only made after we informed BP and the USCG tonight that we were moving forward with or without them unless they gave us a decision now. After all it is 8:00 and we had not heard from them.  

The Shaw Group will be conducting hydraulic modeling of the effects of the barges and finalizing the barge site plan and locations.

End of Report

--------------------------------------------------

6-6-10 Latest BP Update to Grand Isle, LA

From Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman

BP provided information.  I cannot speak for the accuracy.  I have been on the beach all morning and have not seen 381 workers there.

BOOM

- 76,700' containment boom deployed

- 366,690' absorbent boom deployed

- 158,550' snare boom deployed

- 6,070' containment boom staged

- 159,900' snare boom staged

FISHING VESSELS

- Task Force 6 - 25 vessels

- Task Force 7 - 25 vessels

- Other Division/Group - 14 vessels

- Night Ops - 6 vessels

PERSONNEL

Total - 960 workers

Beach Cleanup - 381 workers

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

6-5-10 #2 Breaking news from Grand Isle

From Chris Roberts via

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle

-----Original Message-----

From: CRoberts [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 5:42 PM

To: undisclosed-recipients:

Subject: Breaking news from Grand Isle

From JP Emergency Management:

Heavy oil coming ashore this evening. 8 new skimmers coming in today. Coast Guard working to finalize barge plan using a combination of boom and barges.

--------------------------------------------------

Forwarded by:

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

6-5-10 Grand Isle Update from Chris Roberts

From: CRoberts [mailto:[email protected]]

Update from JP EM:

We met with the USCG planning team in Grand Isle on the new strategies for protecting the big passes east of Grand Isle. First of all they assured me that what ever plan that this team develops using barges and boom will not have to be approved by BP.

The CG will instruct BP to pay for the necessary assets to carry out the plan. A combination of barges and heavy boom will be used to narrow the passes to direct incoming oil into much smaller areas where it can be trapped or skimmed. The plan will require the renting of barges and the placement of pilings in order to anchor heavy boom.

While we all want this in place today it appears that it will be several days in the making. We will continue to update you on the progress of this plan on a daily basis.

End of Report

--------------------------------------------------

Forwarded By:

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

6-4-10 Oil hits the beaches again

The following is from Wayne Keller, Executive Director of the Port of Grand Isle:

I apologize for not answering many phone messsages, but the phone calls have been overwhelming.

Wish I was sending better news, but at 4PM (Thursday), I witnessed the worse oil I have seen yet.  It was coming onto Elmer's island dead centered on entrance (where mat road meets the Gulf). It was about 1 mile wide.

Caminada pass seemed to be spared at that time.   Elmer's West cut dam

had a large amount of oil trapped on Gulf side thankfully.  I called in my first oiled (heavily oiled) pelican report this morning, then passed on reports of numerous dead and live heavily oiled birds in Barataria.  The bird response was fairly rapid. I stopped by Sandollar Marina and found a large crew cleaning and shuttling birds in and out of the marina.

I ordered $180,000  of Tiger Boom for Elmer's and with Garret Graves help I believe it will be approved this evening. We (National Guard) should be able to begin deploying the 2.8 feet high, water filled tubes hopefully by tomorrow evening.

Wayne Keller

AND ALSO SEE THE FOLLOWING – NO GOOD NEWS!!

6-3-10 - Listen to Mayor Camardelle's plans - see the information and link below

Listen to Mayor David Camardelle on WWL as he lays out his priorities for keeping oil out of Barataria Bay.  Thanks to Ann Smith, FOGI Board of Directors for sending this information. 

You can listen on WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports article entitled Grand Isle\'s mayor has message for Obama
By: Dave Cohen
Please follow the below link to reach the page.

http://www.wwl.com/pages/7387338.php  

6-2-10 - Grand Isle Beach open for limited use and info on rodeo's

The Grand Isle beach has been opened for limited use, including sunbathing and walking.  No one is to go into the water, no swimming, and no fishing.

The Speckled Trout Rodeo was called off but instead of a fishing rodeo, they had a great party/fund raiser at Bridge Side Marina.  A huge crowd showed up.  The food was great, so was the music and entertainment, and door prize awards.  Hope you were there!!

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo has been called off, but there will be a fundraiser party instead. Music is being lined up and it should be great fun... make plans early to come as many camps and hotels are being rented for clean-up crews. More info to follow.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

5/25/10 - Wildlife Federation Surveilance Team Program

Many of you have asked how you can help.  If you know how to identify birds, particularly water birds such as pelicans, egrets, gulls, etc.  this may interest you.  People must be over 18 years of age to participate.  Enter the following link in your internet browser for more information:  www.lawildlifefed.org

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

From: Randy Lanctot [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 3:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Surveilance Team Program

Bob:

            Good speaking with you yesterday evening.  Attached and pasted below is a description of our effort to involve volunteers in a non-obtrusive but productive way in spill response.  You will see that one of the target areas for surveillance is the Barataria to Belle Pass shore.  We are in need of team leaders and team members.  Please circulate this to those who you think would be interested in participating, and of course, any expertise or other assistance you can lend to the effort would be most appreciated.  After reviewing, please let me know if you have any questions.  As has been pointed out by LWF’s 1^st VP Keith Saucier who has a camp on GI, we will have to get clearance to do this from the proper officials as the public has been restricted from access to the shore.  Thanks for your help.  – Randy

Randy P. Lanctot

Executive Director

Louisiana Wildlife Federation

phone/fax 225/344-6707

www.lawildlifefed.org

5/22/10 - Update from Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman

Subject: Grand Isle - Lafitte Update 5 22 10

Sent: May 21, 2010 8:55 PM

From JP Emergency Management:

The Grand Isle beach was closed today by Mayor Camardelle after oil washed

ashore on the main island.  One hundred additional personnel members from

various agencies arrived on the island today.

A few dead birds and fish have come ashore.

?Tomorrow BP will begin placing boom on the north side of Barataria Bay to

protect everything south of Lafitte. The Lafitte EOC will go fully active

tomorrow.

Today we (EM, Chief Thevenot, Mayors Camardelle and Kerner) met for 3 hours at

BP in Houma and they committed to providing more skimmers and to place boom on

shrimp boats to protect the passes around Grand Isle.  Local trained fisherman

with vessels will be used in this operation.

We will not be pleased until we actually see the resources in place. Aerial

surveillance this evening spotted more oil off shore. I am sure tomorrow will

be another busy day.  Trajectories for the weekend are not encouraging.

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Government Complex

200 Derbigny Street Suite 6400

Gretna, LA 70053

Phone 504-364-2607

Fax     504-364-2615

5/22/10 - #2 - Black Saturday at Grand Isle - Mayor closes the beach

I’ve been advised that Mayor Camardelle has reluctantly closed the Grand Isle beaches as a measure to protect people from the oil that is saturating the sand at the water’s edge.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

5/21/10 -  Oil on the Grand Isle beach; commercial & recreational fishing closures

I’ve had several reports this morning that oil is on the beach at Grand Isle, extending from Caminada Pass (the bridge onto the island) to Sureway and beyond.  At the same time I also have reports of people sunbathing on the beach.

On Thursday evening, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced closure of the area around Grand Isle, from Barataria Pass on the east to Caminada Pass for both commercial and recreational fishing.  Note that fishing is still open north of the island, that is north of a line that is Latitude 29 10 16.  See the following press announcement.

PRESS RELEASE

LDWF Modifies Closures in Portion of Territorial Seas Including Barataria to Caminada Passes to Recreational and Commercial Fishing

BATON ROUGE (May 20, 2010) - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing activities in a portion of the territorial seas, in lower Jefferson Parish, from the eastern shore of Barataria Pass to the western shore of Caminada Pass effective today, May 20, 2010 at sunset. These actions were taken due to confirmed reports of oil.

Territorial Seas Closure

The state's territorial seas seaward of the inside-outside shrimp line from the eastern shore of Barataria Pass at 89 degrees 56 minutes 44 seconds west longitude westward to the western shore of Caminada Pass at 90 degrees 02 minutes 46.597 seconds west longitude will close effective sunset May 20, 2010.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.

All other closures remain in place.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

5/20/10 - Oil on Elmer's Island Beach

Elmer’s Island is just west of Grand Isle.  Wayne Keller, Executive Director of the Grand Isle Port, called to advise that oil has hit the beach on Elmer’s Island during the night.  Wayne has been working furiously with the National Guard to temporarily close the open breaches on Elmer’s Island.  He also reports that they finished closing the second breach late last night.  These breaches were the result of hurricanes and strong storms over the past few years and were openings from the Gulf, across what used to be beach into the marsh on the back or northern side.  The closure of the breaches should protect this large marsh on the backside of the beach.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle

(337) 280-0052

5/17/10 - Update from Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman

This Report on Grand Isle came from Jeff Parish Council Member whose District includes G I. I received at 4 50 pm ------Original Message------

From: Chris Roberts

Subject: Grand Isle / Lafitte update - Horizon Response

Sent: May 17, 2010 4:49 PM

From JP Emergency Management:

The weather improved today which allowed the boom teams to go out and realign the boom that had been washed ashore during the rough weather this weekend.

A BP contractor swept Elmer’s Island this weekend to remove any tar balls that had washed up. The BP contractor is in the process of staging various types of skimmers on the Island in the event oil threatens to enter the passes.

The National Guard has brought in 7 miles of tiger dam which can be installed on GI’s main beach in the event oil threatens to wash ashore. 

BP has three claims centers open in Jefferson Parish and is processing claims from out of work fishermen as well as businesses that have been affected by the oil spill. 

In Lafitte a jack up barge has been loaded with over 100 feet of absorbent boom and has been staged in the Barataria Waterway at channel marker 35 A.

The final steps of the interior protection plan are being conducted.

Parish and Town personnel have started the process of identifying impacted planned events such as rodeos, etc to discuss potential claims with BP.

End of Report

--------------------------------------------------

Sent from the office of:

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Government Complex

200 Derbigny Street Suite 6400

Gretna, LA 70053

5/13/10 - GI Beach is open

I’ve been in contact with Mayor Camardelle’s office today – he wants me to let you know that the beach on Grand Isle is open and there is no oil or tar balls on the GI beach, despite TV notices.  It’s a little less clear as to whether you can fish from the beach or the bridge as LA Wildlife and Fisheries Department closed recreational and commercial fishing on the areas near Grand Isle and to the 3-mile limit on the Gulf side.  You can fish in the bay north of Grand Isle and also in the marshes north of Grand Isle.  The Mayor’s office indicated it would be a good time to come to the island.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

5/13/10 #2 - Grand Isle update - Fishing is open too

So, not only is there no oil on Grand Isle beach the area is also open to fishing.  See the press release and map below – click on it to expand it – it notes that the area from Fourchon, east to an area close to the river is open for fishing.  That means all of Grand Isle is open as are the areas north of the island and the Gulf south of the island.  Hope you are able to come and that you have a good time! 

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle

(337) 280-0052

PRESS RELEASE

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Announces Partial Opening of Territorial Sea Off Grand Isle to Recreational and Commercial Fishing

BATON ROUGE (May 12, 2010) -

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham has announced that the state’s territorial seas are open, effective immediately, from the Empire Canal westward to Belle Pass for recreational and commercial fishing.

This opening is takes place from the eastern shore of the Empire Canal at 89 degrees 36 minutes 19.9 seconds to the western shore of Belle Pass at 90 degrees 13 minutes 36 seconds west longitude.

“My goal is to have people out there fishing,” Barham said. “Every day we are making new assessments and decisions to give all anglers, commercial and recreational, every opportunity to utilize our state’s great resources.”

LDWF continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Hospitals to conduct tissue- sample analysis in an effort to access all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana’s Coast.

All other closures remain in place.

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

5/12/10 - Update from Chris Roberts, Jefferson Parish Councilman

We have deployed 23,850 of boom in Grand Isle. We have requested an additional 25,000 feet of 42”sea boom for Grand Isle that is reported to be in transit.

Daily aerial reconnaissance is being conducted in the Gulf off of Grand Isle. No significant oil was spotted today. It appears as though most of the oil that was off the shore of Grand Isle has moved to the west of us.

The good news is that NOAA’s trajectories for the next three days predict that the oil slicks will shift back to the east again and the West side of the river should be clear for the next 72 hours. There is no certainty in the trajectories so we will continue to monitor daily.

The Lafitte Plan is in the staging phase. BP has ordered 140,000 feet of absorbent boom for Lafitte and a jack up barge is in route to Lafitte to serve as a staging platform. Lafitte has activated their Emergency Center and is preparing in the event oil gets past the Grand Isle protection plan.

Chris Roberts

Councilman, District I

Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Government Complex

200 Derbigny Street Suite 6400

Gretna, LA 70053

Phone 504-364-2607

Fax     504-364-2615

5/10/10 #2 - LDWF  Adjustments to Fisheries Closures

See the materials below for adjustments on recreational and commercial fishing.  You can click on the map and adjust the size to make it more legible.  /Bob

Bob Stewart, Ph.D.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

(337) 280-0052

LDWF ANNOUNCES NEW AREAS OPEN TO SHRIMPING AND ADJUSTMENTS TO PRECAUTIONARY FISHERIES CLOSURES WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced that all areas west of the Mississippi River are open to recreational and commercial fishing, including shrimping, with the exception of the areas listed below, effective at noon today, May 10, 2010.

All state inside waters north of the inside/outside shrimp line from the eastern shore of the Empire Canal at 89 degrees 36 minutes 19.9 seconds west longitude eastward to the Mississippi River

The portion of state inside waters south of 29 degrees 13 minutes 12 seconds north latitude from the western shore of Bayou Lafourche westward to the western shore of Oyster Bayou at 91 degrees 07 minutes 53 seconds west longitude

All state outside waters extending seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from the Mississippi River westward to the eastern portion of Atchafalaya Bay at Pointe au Fer Island at 91 degrees 20 minutes 44 seconds west longitude

There have been no changes to recreational or commercial fishing closures east of the Mississippi River.  Last week recreational and commercial fishing was closed in this area, excluding the coastal boundaries of Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and Chef and Rigoletes Passes.

Based on the presence of juvenile shrimp, the shrimp season remains   
        Click to enlarge        closed in Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, and in the Chef and
                                     Rigoletes Passes. 

For more information related to the oil spill, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP. View photos in from the state's response efforts at www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep 

5/10/10 - Recreational and Commercial Fishing Closure due to Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

                                Note that the map within this email denotes the areas that are closed.  At present they are allowing fishing north of Grand Isle (see the map for the boundaries. 

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

337 280-0052

5/5/10 - From Mayor Camardelle’s office:  Oil is approaching Grand Isle.

Bob Stewart

For Friends of Grand Isle

5/4/10 - BP Rig survivor  explains events leading up to blow out

Bob Stewart

337 280-0052

Very informative radio interview (by Mark Levine) with BP rig survivor........USGS and Minerals Management Service mentioned and Coast Guard !

5/3/10 - Grand Isle Oil Spill Information

The following is a link providing information on the oil spill from the Grand

Isle perspective.

http://www.grandisleport.com/

Bob Stewart

For the Board of Directors

Friends of Grand Isle, Inc.

337 280-0052

4/30/10 - Coastal Floodwatch for Grand Isle

They say that when it rains it pours.  I received the following floodwatch alert for Grand Isle from NOAA from 04/30/10 12:00 AM CDT to 05/02/10 07:00 PM CDT for 70358:

You can go to the following url for more information and maps:  http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/alert_map/index/s/1216244/a/11528

000

WHUS44 KLIX 291014

CFWLIX

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA

514 AM CDT THU APR 29 2010

...HIGH TIDES MAY POSE A COASTAL FLOOD THREAT LATER THIS WEEK...

.A PERSISTENT SOUTH FLOW PATTERN IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP TODAY AND

INCREASE WIND SPEEDS LATE TONIGHT. THIS WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT

RISES IN TIDE LEVELS FRIDAY MORNING. TIDE LEVELS OF 2 TO 3 FEET

ABOVE NORMAL ARE POSSIBLE FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AS THE SOUTH FLOW

PERSISTS.

LAZ038-040-058-060>064-066>070-MSZ080>082-292000-

/O.CAN.KLIX.CF.S.0004.000000T0000Z-100501T0200Z/

/O.NEW.KLIX.CF.A.0001.100430T0500Z-100503T0000Z/

TANGIPAHOA-ST. TAMMANY-ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST-ST. CHARLES-

UPPER JEFFERSON-ORLEANS-UPPER PLAQUEMINES-UPPER ST. BERNARD-

LOWER TERREBONNE-LOWER LAFOURCHE-LOWER JEFFERSON-

LOWER PLAQUEMINES-LOWER ST. BERNARD-HANCOCK-HARRISON-JACKSON-

514 AM CDT THU APR 29 2010

...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY

EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SLIDELL HAS ISSUED A COASTAL

FLOOD WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY

EVENING.