News Clippings 9/5/12

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.


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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.



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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).

###

News Clippings 9/4/12

Isaac


Water release continues from Lake Tangipahoa



WLBT




Mississippi officials say they have released enough water from a 700-acre
lake swollen with rain from Isaac to bring it to normal pool levels.


http://www.wlox.com/story/19444356/water-release-continues-from-lake-tangipahoa





Dam Evacuation Update
Fox 40



Last weeks critical situation in Pike county, crews worked through the
night and over the weekend trying to reduce stress on the levee at Lake
Tangipahoa.


http://www.fox40tv.com/news/local/story/Dam-Evacuation-Update/FX2U37khjkuGKGdVytnhig.cspx




Water release continues from Mississippi dam


ASSOCIATED PRESS




MCCOMB -- Mississippi officials said Monday they have released enough water

from a 700-acre lake swollen with rain from Isaac to bring it to normal

pool levels.





http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/03/4162288/water-release-continues-from-mississippi.html






Controlled Breach Planned For Damaged Dam
WJTV
It could be late this week before the state begins the controlled breach.

Several state and federal agencies are working together to pump water out

of Lake Tangipahoa to relieve pressure on the dam.

http://www2.wjtv.com/news/2012/sep/03/controlled-breach-planned-damaged-dam-ar-4471524/







State, environmental agencies close Pascagoula's Bayou Casotte after fish
kill

Sun Herald



PASCAGOULA -- State environmental agencies warned fishermen Monday not to

eat fish caught in or near industrial Bayou Casotte in east Pascagoula

until they have time to find out what's killing them.



http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/03/4161607/mdeq-dmr-close-bayou-casotte.html



Crews ready to tackle beach debris on Tuesday



WLOX




Crews are getting ready to take on the monumental task of cleaning up the
beach in Harrison County after being savaged by Hurricane Isaac's constant
wind and storm surge.


http://www.wlox.com/story/19444961/crews-ready-to-tackle-beach-debris-on-tuesday





Hancock County nutria cleanup will take days

Sun Herald



WAVELAND -- Nutria cleanup on the beaches of Hancock County was slow going

Monday as crews developed the best way to attack the problem of tons of the

dead animals washing ashore from south Louisiana.

http://www.sunherald.com/2012/09/03/4162280/hancock-county-nutria-cleanup.html





Nutria clean up operation begins in Bay St. Louis, Waveland



WLOX




Clean up is underway on the beaches of Bay St. Louis and Waveland where
thousands of dead nutria washed ashore in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.




http://www.wlox.com/story/19443289/nutria-clean-up-operation-begins-in-bay-st-louis-waveland





Oil Spill





BP sued 'for hiding truth over safety' in Gulf oil disaster
BP is being sued for tens of millions of dollars in the US by institutional
investors who allege the oil major misled them over its safety policies and
the scale of the spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Telegraph (UK)


The company's shares more than halved – wiping billions of pounds off the

value of the group – in the wake of the April 2010 disaster, which killed

11 men and caused the worst offshore spill in US history.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/9518692/BP-sued-for-hiding-truth-over-safety-in-Gulf-oil-disaster.html





State News





UAM reaches out to Tupelo leaders
by Emily Le Coz
NEMS Daily Journal
09.04.12 - 08:00 am

TUPELO - The jet recycling company under fire for allegedly turning airport
property into a "junkyard" will invite its chief critics to visit the
facility in hopes of changing perceptions.

http://djournal.com/view/full_story/20018378/article-UAM-reaches-out-to-Tupelo-leaders?instance=lead_story_left_column



National News




More natural gas-powered trucks to hit nation's roads




Commercial Appeal


Tuesday, September 4, 2012


Let's face it, all that cheap American natural gas hasn't done much for

your car lately. For 18-wheelers, however, it's a different story.



Truckers nationwide have shown enough interest in the low-cost fuel to

influence a rush of new vehicle manufacturing and bring about a wave of

momentum behind the resource.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/sep/04/more-natural-gas-powered-trucks-to-hit-nations/?print=1






Opinion



Water: Repairing aging lines costly
Clarion Ledger





While many Mississippians are still mopping up and drying out from

Hurricane Isaac, Jackson city officials will be going behind closed doors

this week to deal with a different sort of water crisis.



The city has been offered what you might call a deal it can't refuse by the

Environmental Protection Agency to rebuild its sewer system, which does not

meet federal standards.



http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120904/OPINION01/209040319/Water-Repairing-aging-lines-costly?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p

News Release: MDEQ PROVIDES DEBRIS CLEAN UP GUIDANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2012

Media Contact: Robbie Wilbur,
MDEQ, 601-961-5277

MDEQ PROVIDES DEBRIS CLEAN UP GUIDANCE

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is
providing guidance on debris separation for home owners, business
operators, and others as they clean up their properties. In many cases,
the debris in and around houses or businesses may contain hazardous
materials or contaminants mixed with other nonhazardous debris items.

Nonhazardous wastes and debris including vegetative material such as tree
limbs will generally need to be disposed at a municipal solid waste
landfill or a class I rubbish disposal site or recycled at a legitimate
recycling facility. Household hazardous materials should be collected
separately from other debris for disposal.

The following guidelines will aid in properly disposing of debris and other
wastes. In addition, MDEQ Solid Waste staff are available for
clarification at 601-961-5304.

Don't throw away household hazardous waste materials. Collect and
contain them in their original container, if possible, or in a
plastic bin or tub for disposal at a household hazardous waste
collection site or event. Do not mix these materials in the same
container. If a household hazardous collection site or event is not
being held in your area, please contact the MDEQ Solid Waste staff to
help you find an appropriate method of disposing of the material.
Household hazardous wastes would include the following types of
household items:

Antifreeze.
Fuels (gasoline, propane, diesel, kerosene, etc.)
Fuel containers or canisters.
Motor and hydraulic oils.
Paints, stains, and varnishes.
Paint thinner.
Solvents.
Other cleaning supplies and chemicals.
Pesticides, herbicides, and other farm/lawn chemicals.
Household thermostats and thermometers.

Structural components, vegetative debris, and the contents of a home
or building that have been contacted by flood waters or damaged by
the high winds associated with storm events may need to be disposed.
Structural components will include sheetrock/drywall, carpeting, wood
components, electrical components, flooring, doors, and other
physical parts of the structure. Vegetative debris will include
downed trees, limbs, brush, and other similar materials. The damaged
contents of homes and buildings may include household furnishings,
appliances, electronics, clothing, food items and other personal
items. Personal items contacted by flood waters such as medications,
cosmetics, and other similar personal grooming items should not be
used and should also be disposed.

Do NOT burn vegetative storm debris or other debris from houses,
businesses and other structures. Open burning of such debris is
prohibited by state and federal laws and regulations.

Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling storm debris as it
may have become contaminated by raw sewage and/or hazardous chemicals
released by flood waters.

Be cautious of sharp objects or other hazards in standing water.

Lookout for snakes and rodents that may have taken refuge in your
house during the storm event. Snakes tend to find high and dry
hiding spots, such as an attic or the top of ceiling tiles, while
rodents are more prone to be found in the walls and attic spaces.

When removing debris from a damaged building be cautious as the
structural integrity of the building may not be sound.

Look for exposed power lines or other safety hazards present when
removing vegetative debris.

Some building materials -- pipe insulation, electrical insulation
flooring, ceiling ties, roofing materials, and siding -- may contain
asbestos. Caution should be used in demolishing and/or renovating
these structures so as to not crush or grind up the asbestos
containing materials. (See MDEQ's guidance on asbestos and lead
paint).

Segregate debris according to how the items will be disposed or
recycled. Local governments will provide information on how the
clean-up and collection of storm debris will occur in that area.

Dispose of debris in the manner that is developed for your community.
This may mean hauling the debris directly to a permitted landfill or
to a local storm debris staging or collection site or placing the
debris near the public road for collection. Additional information
will be forthcoming in your community about how debris will be
managed and collected.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Solid Waste Management Programs
P.O. Box 2261, Jackson, MS 39225
Phone: 601-961-5171
www.deq.state.ms.us

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