Isaac
Pollution left in wake of Isaac
By KEVIN McGILL — Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — Weathered oil in the form of tar has washed up on some
Louisiana beaches from Gulf waters churned by Hurricane Isaac, prompting
restrictions of fishing in some waters and tests to determine whether the
source is submerged oil from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/04/4164455/pollution-left-in-wake-of-isaac.html
Geologists say Tarballs Still Washing up on Walton Beaches
WJHG
While many businesses are bouncing back from the BP oil spill, what's
washing up on area beaches two years later may still represent the long
term effects of the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/Geologists-say-Tarballs-Still-Washing-up-on-Local-Beaches-168543186.html
"Organic" masses wash up near Fort Morgan
WALA
FORT MORGAN, Ala. (WALA) - Black mats on the beach at Fort Morgan following
Hurricane Isaac had some beach goers worried.
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/baldwin_county/crews-cleaning-organic-masses
Officials watching dam in Lamar County
The Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, MISS. — Lamar County officials are using pumps to drop water
levels in an earthen dam at the southern end of the Lake Serene system that
was damaged by the heavy rains of Hurricane Isaac.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/04/4164504/isaac-damages-lamar-county-dam.html
Lake Serene dam damaged during Isaac
WDAM
A Lake Serene dam suffered damage as the result of Tropical Storm Isaac.
Lamar County Officials say a portion of the dam on Buccaneer Drive that
separates lakes five and six is sliding which could cause flooding for
residents downstream. The sliding is also causing cracks on the roadway.
http://www.wdam.com/story/19454142/lake
Officials watching dam in Lamar
Hattiesburg American
Lamar County officials are keeping a vigilant eye on an earthen dam at the
southern end of the Lake Serene system that was damaged by the heavy rains
of Hurricane Isaac.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120905/NEWS01/209050317/Officials-watching-dam-Lamar
Isaac damage assessed as cleanup slogs on
Thousands of nutria bring stink to Coast
Clarion Ledger
WAVELAND — Many westbound drivers on South Beach Boulevard were stopped in
their tracks by security Tuesday as crews continued cleanup in Hancock
County, particularly along a significant stretch of Waveland's coastline.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120905/NEWS/209050330/Isaac-damage-assessed-cleanup-slogs-
Isaac: Aftermath
Sea Coast Echo
ENVIRONMENTAL
As Hurricane Isaac churned through the Gulf, many feared mats of oil from
BP's Deep Water Horizon spill would wash ashore. So far, the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality has not confirmed any oil.
Several reports have been made of an oil-like substance in ditches in
Shoreline Park and Heron Bay. Officials said the reddish sheen seems to be
algae that is blooming in the high heat and stagnant water.
The pounding waves of Isaac did bring thousands of dead nutria and other
animals to Hancock County's beaches. Crews from US Environmental, a company
contracted with the EPA, have been combing the beach in recent days to
remove upward of 16,000 carcasses.
The decaying animals led supervisors to close the beach until the potential
health hazard is removed.
http://12.68.233.230/40/article_6239.shtml
Dead Nutria littered Harrison County beaches, too
WLOX
The first word we got about dead Nutria on Mississippi's shoreline was from
Hancock County. The Nutria reportedly lived in Louisiana marshes. But, as
Hurricane Isaac spun toward the coast, it washed the rats onto
Mississippi's western beachfront.
http://www.wlox.com/story/19459797/dead-nutria-littered-harrison-county-beaches-too
Thousands of dead nutria pile up on Mississippi beaches after Isaac
By Miguel Llanos, NBC News
If there's a silver lining for the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Isaac, it
might just be this: the surge of water flushed out, and drowned, thousands
of nutria — giant rodents originally from South America that are eating
away at coastal marshlands, which act as barriers from storms.
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/04/13657634-thousands-of-dead-nutria-pile-up-on-mississippi-beaches-after-isaac
Crews to begin beach debris removal in Harrison County
WLOX
The massive debris removal on Harrison County's beach will begin on
Wednesday. Hurricane Isaac littered the 26 miles of sand beach with various
marine trash, tons of marsh grasses and even dead animals.
http://www.wlox.com/story/19455294/crews-to-begin-beach-debris-removal-in-harrison-county
Court ruling changes beach cleanup in Ocean Springs, may have broader
implications
Sun Herald
OCEAN SPRINGS -- Who owns the beach?
Some say a recent chancery court ruling has given the beach to the
residents who live along it rather than the general public.
And an interpretation of that ruling has dramatically changed the way
Jackson County plans to clean the Ocean Springs East Beach and Front Beach
in the wake of Hurricane Isaac: It won't.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/04/4163768/court-ruling-changes-beach-cleanup.html
Isaac cleanup will take weeks
Sun Herald
Federal officials toured the Coast on Tuesday to look at the flood-damaged
areas as city and county workers continued to clean up from Hurricane
Isaac.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/04/4164683/isaac-cleanup-will-take-weeks.html
Miss. Isaac recovery 'slow, tedious'; La. clearing shelters
AP
Mississippi officials say assessing damages from Hurricane Isaac is a
tedious task that will take time.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20120905/NEWS01/209050343/Miss-Isaac-recovery-slow-tedious-La-clearing-shelters
Oil Spill
DOJ language crushes BP oil spill settlement hopes
6:24pm IST
Reuters
By Sarah Young and Sinead Cruise
LONDON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Hopes BP can settle early out of court on
liability for its 2010 U.S. Gulf oil spill looked forlorn on Wednesday
after U.S. prosecutors laid out a legal case for gross negligence on which
tens of billions of dollars hang.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/05/bp-oilspill-outlook-idINL6E8K59CB20120905
BP Falls as U.S. Reiterates Gross Negligence Charge in Spill
Bloomberg
By Brian Swint on September 05, 2012
BP Plc (BP/), the owner of the Macondo well that caused the worst U.S. oil
spill two years ago, declined in London after the Department of Justice
reiterated it will pursue charges of gross negligence in the case.
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/319538?type=bloomberg
Justice Dept Hammers BP For Gross Negligence In Gulf Oil Spill
Forbes
The Department of Justice has filed a scathing brief accusing BP of gross
negligence in the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent 2010 Gulf of
Mexico oil spill. Among a litany of condemnations, DOJ's attorneys assert
that the behavior of BP executives in the days leading up to the disaster
"would not be tolerated in a middling size company manufacturing dry goods
for sale in a suburban mall."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2012/09/05/justice-dept-hammers-bp-for-gross-negligence-in-gulf-oil-spill/
Feds urge judge to ignore BP's claim that Gulf is making "robust recovery"
from 2010 oil spill
By Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — The Justice Department is urging a federal judge to ignore
arguments by BP that the Gulf Coast's natural resources are making a
"robust recovery" from the company's massive oil spill.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/feds-urge-judge-to-ignore-bps-claim-that-gulf-is-making-robust-recovery-from-2010-oil-spill/2012/09/05/5386a9c2-f76b-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_print.html
DOJ accuses BP of 'gross negligence' in Gulf oil spill
CNN
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The U.S. Department of Justice is accusing oil
company BP of gross negligence and a "culture of corporate recklessness,'
in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a charge that could significantly
increase the damages BP could be forced to pay in the case.
In a federal court filing Friday, the DOJ said that the Eastern District
Court of Louisiana should ignore BP's argument that the Gulf region is
"undergoing a robust recovery" and assess damages based on its
responsibility for the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and the
resulting oil spill. The DOJ said that some of the arguments made by BP in
earlier filings in the case were "plainly misleading."
http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/05/news/companies/bp-oil-spill/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
State News
Sewer failure may keep road closed for a week in Oxford
by Errol Castens
NEMS Daily Journal
09.05.12 - 06:05 am
OXFORD - The failure of a sewer line just south of Highway 6 may keep
detours in place for another week.
Just as city crews and residents were dealing with flood damage from as
much as six inches of rain on Sunday night and Monday morning, a hole
opened near Bickerstaff Drive.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/20030406/article-Sewer-failure-may-keep-road-closed-for-a-week?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
National News
Key EPA auto regulator Margo Oge stepping down
· BY DAVID SHEPARDSON
· DETROIT NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
One of the key officials in the writing of landmark fuel-efficiency
standards is retiring.
Margo Oge, director of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, told staff Tuesday she will be leaving the
agency at the end of the month after more than 30 years.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120904/AUTO01/209040403/1361/Key-EPA-auto-regulator-Margo-Oge-stepping-down
Farm Bureaus: EPA Lawsuit Could Affect Thousands
AP
An Eastern Panhandle chicken grower's lawsuit against the Environmental
Protection Agency could set legal precedent for their members, according to
the American Farm Bureau.
http://www.wtrf.com/story/19458530/farm-bureaus-epa-lawsuit-could-affect-thousands
Press Releases
Lamar County Dam holds overnight; Precautionary Evacuation still in place
PEARL – A precautionary evacuation of 14 homes below the Buccaneer Drive
Dam on Oak Grove Lake in Lamar County has been issued by the Lamar County
Emergency Management Agency. A slide occurred on the dam Monday, and
further damage to the slide prompted the precautionary evacuation.
The dam has NOT been breached, but engineers believe the dam could fail.
Reports indicate the dam held overnight. Pumping began last night and
continues today to lower the lake to a safe level.
Emergency operations continue for Mississippians affected by the storm with
the following updates:
Individual Assistance Registrations: As of 8 a.m., 6,216 individuals in
declared Mississippi counties have registered for federal assistance
through FEMA. A total of $1,230,859 has been approved for individual
assistance.
Damage: State, federal and local partners continue to assess damage in
affected counties.
Shelters: As of 8 a.m. today, one shelter in the state is open with 11
evacuees housed.
Deaths: One death in Pearl River County and one death in Holmes County have
been attributed to Isaac.
Pike County Dam: Pumping operations continue at the lake, and responding
agencies continue to evaluate water levels. Preparations to repair the dam
are ongoing.
Power Outages: As of 8 a.m. today, power has been restored to all who can
receive it.
Additional Assistance: Residents needing services not covered by federal or
state programs may call 2-1-1 Mississippi to seek additional resources.
Numerous federal and state programs are now available to residents affected
by Hurricane Isaac. Programs available are:
· Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Individuals in Hancock, Harrison,
Jackson and Pearl River counties who were unable to work because of
Hurricane Isaac may apply. Apply online 24 hours a day at
www.mdes.ms.gov or by calling toll-free, 1-888-844-3577 from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
· Federal Assistance: Residents of Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl
River counties are eligible to receive Individual Assistance, which
includes temporary housing aid, grants for serious disaster-related
expenses not covered by insurance and low-interest disaster loans
from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
o Affected residents can apply for assistance online at
www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling toll-free
1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing
impairment should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Telephone numbers
are available every day, from 7 a.m. to10 p.m. CDT, until
further notice. Online registration services are available 24
hours a day.
· Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: DSNAP was
implemented Monday to assist residents affected by Hurricane Isaac.
These residents may be eligible for a one-time only benefit issuance,
and must have incurred disaster related expenses as a direct result
of Isaac to be eligible. Residents must apply in person at their
county Mississippi Department of Human Services office. Visit
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/ for locations and more information.
A disaster declaration was initially issued on Aug. 29 and included Public
Assistance for 48 Mississippi counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Indians, which experienced damage or losses from Hurricane Isaac.
Individual Assistance was added to the disaster declaration on Saturday,
Sept. 1.
For more information, visit us online at www.msema.org. You can also follow
us on Twitter using keyword MSEMA and on Facebook under Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency.
###
LDWF Closes a Portion of Coastal Waters Due to the Emergence of Oil
on Adjacent Beaches
BATON ROUGE -- Effective immediately, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham announced an emergency closure of a
portion of coastal waters due to the emergence of a large tar mat and
concentrations of tar balls on adjacent beaches. This action is taken in
coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, who
will assist with the investigation to determine the extent, source, and
impacts of the oil in the environment.
The area affected by this emergency closure includes the portion of state
outside waters seaward a distance of one mile from the shoreline from the
eastern shore of Belle Pass at 90 degrees 13 minutes 30 seconds west
longitude eastward to the western shore of Caminada Pass at 90 degrees 02
minutes 46.6 seconds west longitude.
Click here to view a map of the closure:
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/document/35906-map/new_image.pdf
All commercial and recreational fishing is prohibited within these waters
except for recreational and charter boat angling. The harvest of live bait
by wholesale/retail seafood dealers who hold a special bait dealers permit
and who harvest live bait for sale to recreational fishermen exclusively is
also permitted.
In addition to this closure, certain areas are still closed to recreational
and commercial fishing due to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Maps of
the areas still closed to recreational and commercial fishing are posted on
the LDWF website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/oilspill.
For press inquires, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (225)
765-2396.
###
Meaningful Impact: How to Donate to Disaster Relief Efforts
Jackson – Governor Phil Bryant has activated the Mississippi Disaster
Recovery Fund (http://www.mississippirelief.com) to collect financial
donations.
Individuals wishing to make donations of goods may contact the American Red
Cross (http://mississippi-redcross.org/), the Salvation Army (
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/), and local churches and faith-based
organizations. As emergency management officials and voluntary
organizations assess affected areas, there will be more specific
information regarding items needed.
The United Ways of the Gulf Coast have activated the United Way Gulf Coast
Disaster Fund. Please visit www.unitedwaygulfcoast.org to find out how you
can make a financial donation to the fund, donate goods large or small, or
volunteer time.
Catholic Charities, Inc. is currently partnering with Wal-Mart to provide
assistance to Isaac survivors and evacuees. Those interested can access a
"Wish List" (http://www.unitedwaygulfcoast.org/) on the online registry
system and at stores across the country. Persons may purchase items through
the online registry or by visiting any Wal-Mart location. Donated items
will be delivered to affected families by Catholic Charities, Inc.
personnel.
If you are a company or an organization and would like to contribute large
volume donations, please visit the National Donations Management Network:
Mississippi (
http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema/states.aspx?ST=Mississippi). Large
volume donations are generally classified as goods in quantities to fill an
18-wheeler truck.
Get breaking news via social media: MCVS is on Facebook (
http://www.facebook.com/volunteeryall). We're also tweeting as
@volunteeryall (http://www.twitter.com/volunteeryall) and posting volunteer
ideas and opportunities under the hashtag #volunteeryall (
http://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23volunteeryall).
###
