TALLAHASSEE – The State Emergency Response Team, in support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead response agency for the state of Florida, is actively participating in the Deepwater Horizon response.
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Predictions:
- Deepwater Horizon continues to discharge an estimated 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day.
- BP has completed construction of a dome, expected to be in place as early as this weekend, which will be used in an attempt to contain the oil discharge. BP has also begun drilling a relief well to eliminate the discharge. The dome is roughly 125 offshore, southwest of Pensacola.
- Currently, there are no impacts to the state projected in the next 72 hours. The loop current is far south of the oil and there is no imminent threat that the oil will be picked up by the loop current. However, Florida continues to make preparations to safeguard the state’s shoreline.
- The state of Florida reminds its residents and visitors that the state’s coastline has not been impacted at this time and remains open for public enjoyment.
- Should any impacts to Florida’s coastline occur, these could potentially include tarballs – fragments or lumps of oil weathered into a solid consistency – oil sheen or tar mats –sheets of oil that are thicker than a sheen. Should individuals observe any evidence of oil on Florida’s coastline, they should leave the area and report the incident to 1-866-448-5816.
To read the entire Situation Report (#9) Click HERE.