Deepwater Horizon Update – Two C-130 Aircraft on Way

Louisiana (May 1) – The Department of Defense has announced that two C-130 aircraft specially equipped with spraying equipment have been dispatched to the Gulf to aid in the oil containment process. Meanwhile, the leak caused by the explosion and sinking of Deepwater Horizon is still actively spewing nearly 5,000 barrels of crude per day.

The Department of Defense is transporting additional boom materials to location in preparation of containment of the massive oil slick spreading across the Gulf. The Navy is providing assistance with a variety of oil containment equipment, sending thousands of feet of inflatable oil boom with mooring equipment, skimming systems, and support personnel. Naval Air Station Pensacola is serving as the Navy’s staging area.

The Environmental Protection Agency is reporting that controlled oil burns are underway with attempts to reduce the spread of the oil. The EPA will be monitoring the situation to help maintain air quality and to reduce the impact of health concerns from the widening spill. Air quality tests began on April 29, 2010 and have reported that there has been no direct impact of the air quality within the immediate vicinities of, Plaquemines Parrish, Louisiana the closest of the inhabited areas.

Numerous rapid response teams have been staged to deploy to shorelines affected by the spill and assist with clean-up efforts, and wildlife rescue. The team has set-up a volunteer program and a toll free number (866)-448-5816, for those wishing to volunteer the services assisting in any capacity they can.

source: United States Coast Guard, EPA press releases

Posted by rgrone on May 1, 2010. Filed under Earth Sciences,Environment,News,Science and Tech,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.