[StBernard] Unified Command Handout on Murphy Oil Spill

[Westley Annis]

The full handout, in PDF format, can be found here:
http://www.sbpg.net/ESF-10_Murphy_info_handout1.pdf


ESF-10 Maritime Pollution Response
Forward Operating Base Baton Rouge
Unified Command

The ESF-10 Maritime Pollution Response Forward Operating Base Baton Rouge is
a co-located, multi-agency unit designated to respond to all maritime oil
and hazardous materials pollution incidents in Southeast Louisiana, caused
by damage from Hurricane Katrina. ESF-10 refers to our mission, Emergency
Support Function 10, of the National Response Plan. This team is lead by a
Unified Command, comprised of two U.S. Coast Guard officers and the
Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator, who share in all decision making involved
with the response. As of October 15, the Unified Command was investigating,
assessing and directing the cleanup of three major, six medium and 122 minor
pollution cases in Southeast Louisiana. More than 800 people in Baton Rouge
and out in the field were responsible for the cleanup of an estimated 8
million gallons of oil from these pollution incidents, including the Murphy
Oil spill in Meraux, La. These people come from federal and state agencies,
as well as contract workers, including: the U.S. Coast Guard; Louisiana Oil
Spill Coordinator's Office; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration; La. Dept. of Environmental Quality; La.
Dept. of Natural Resources; and, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries.

News & Facts about the cleanup at Murphy Oil
The Unified Command has been coordinating the following cleanup activities
at the Murphy Oil facility:

1. Removal of oil in the Forty Arpent, Delaronde, Corinne, Meraux and
Intercepting canals.

2. Removal of oil in the tank farm containment area (i.e., bermed
containment) and oil in the adjacent unnamed drainage canal.

3. Responsible for demobilizing all the equipment and personnel involved
with the cleanup at the ESF-10 Maritime Pollution portion of the Murphy
site.

4. Coordinating all financial accounting for ESF-10 Maritime Pollution
operations.
As of Oct. 13, of the approximate 1.1 million gallons spilled: approx.
650,000 has 
been cleaned; approx. 300,000 has evaporated; and, approx. 110,000 remains
to be cleaned.

On average, this week, we've had: more than 200 people on-scene at the
cleanup; about eight dump trucks; six street sweepers; five front end
loaders; one backhoe; one bulldozer; 12 skimmers; nine vac trucks; 12 jon
boats; and 6,200 feet of boom deployed.

Health & Safety information: Crude oil

Crude oil can be a health hazard to people if it comes in contact with their
skin and eyes, if the fumes are inhaled and if it is ingested.

ACUTE EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS
SKIN: When crude oil comes in contact with skin, it is an irritant -
long-term exposure can cause drying, cracking, redness, itching, burning or
inflammation. First aid for skin contact involves immediately removing
contaminated clothing and washing skin with soap and water. Clothes should
be laundered before worn again.

INHALATION: When fumes from crude oil are inhaled, it may cause a headache,
nasal and respiratory irritation, nausea, drowsiness, breathlessness and
fatigue. At high concentrations, inhalation can cause central nervous system
depression, convulsions and loss of consciousness. First aid for inhaling
crude oil fumes involves removing the exposed person from the area and into
fresh air, and get medical attention promptly.

EYE CONTACT: Crude oil also is an irritant to eyes. If eye contact occurs,
immediately flush eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the
lower and upper lids, and get medical attention promptly.

INGESTION: If ingested, crude oil may cause burning of the mouth and
gastrointestinal disturbances. It also may cause vomiting and diarrhea and
depression of the central nervous system. If crude oil is ingested, do not
induce vomiting - drink large quantities of water and seek medical attention
promptly.

Use sufficient ventilation when in a closed space that contains crude oil -
open all doors and windows and use fans to decrease fumes and circulate
fresh air. Use proper personal protective equipment when handling items that
have crude oil on them - safety glasses, goggle or a face shield; gloves
made of nitrile, neoprene or other oil resistant materials. Wear clothing
and boots that are oil resistant and limit oil contact with skin.

For current news and information, visit the Coast Guard's
www.uscgstormwatch.com or NOAA's www.incidentnews.gov