Parish and Community News

Terrebonne Parish Information: 1) Coast Guard representatives in Cocodrie reported:

• Skimmer boats will be working in Terrebonne Bay in a 5 across north to south pattern to maximize efficiency and remove as much oil as possible.
• Crews working on boom maintenance for islands: Trinity, Wine, Whiskey and Raccoon.
• Beach cleaning operation continues on Trinity Island
• Ongoing boom inventory in Cocodrie staging area.
• Shoreline cleanup of inland areas in north Lake Barre’.
• Crews are loading the jack-up rig with supplies and equipment for deployment .
• Personnel has increased from 500 to 529 people working out of Cocodrie staging area
• The number of boats has increased from 50 to 69 working from Cocodrie staging area.

2) Oil impact reports:

1. Public Works and Engineering reports that there is thick oil in Whiskey Pass with 10-20% density coverage by quarter sized brown oil globules.
2. Sheen with periodic clumps of reddish/orange oil was reported in Caillou Boca behind Raccoon Island.
3. New report of oil with minor impact (less than 1%) on an unnamed island in Bay Sainte Elaine.

3) Vessels of Opportunity Program:

1. We have been informed by ICP Houma that there have been instances where local Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) or their crews that have been called to duty did not report for duty as requested and/or scheduled.  Please inform the VOO boats and crews in your parish that once contacted they need to report.
2. In some cases after the vessels were called to work, not enough vessels and/or crew members showed up to deploy the Taskforce.
3. There is also a need for additional trained personnel to man crew boats and support boats.  These crew members need only have the Hazmat training that has been provided to the boat crews in your parish.
4. Your assistance in getting the word out to the Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) and crew members in your parish is greatly appreciated.
5. Anyone interested in applying to becoming a Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) or crew member should call 281-366-5511.

Information from British Petroleum:  1) The top-kill operation is underway with mud being pumped rapidly into the well head. The mud pump involved in the top-kill has 30,000 horsepower used to shove between 40 to 50 barrels of mud per minute into the well. USCG ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN NOW REPORTING THAT THE TOP-KILL OPERATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN STOPPING OIL FROM SEEPING FROM THE WELL. 2) US Coast Guard pulled all 125 commercial fishing boats from oil cleanup efforts in Breton Sound after several people became ill (nausea, dizziness, headaches, chest pains). 4 people were hospitalized as a result. Medical workers evaluated the crew members as a precaution. 2) Progress continues with the two relief wells. 3) Vessels Of Opportunity: Task Force 8 (25 vessels) scheduled to be active shortly. Task Forces 9 and 10 (additional 50 vessels) are rigging up. 4) Over 12,267 claims processed with a total value of $17,219,782. 5) Over 1,618 Vessels of Opportunity secured (available) in Louisiana. 6) Over 297 Vessels of Opportunity in Task Force fleet and several are being used by Wildlife & Fisheries.