[StBernard] Gov. Jindal meets with parish presidents and announces a proposed plan to create sand barriers or berms to protect marshes from the oil spill

[Westley Annis]

Gov. Jindal meets with parish presidents and announces a proposed plan to
create sand barriers or berms to protect marshes from the oil spill 

 

St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. and other parish
presidents affected by the oil spill met with Governor Bobby Jindal Monday
to discuss a strategy that would use sand in the Gulf to produce protective
berms or sand barriers that ultimately would act as a barrier to help in the
oil containment and removal process. 

 

The state is coordinating with officials and federal agencies that can
approve such a large scale operation, which would include the use of dredges
to make these artificial barriers known as berms, with the sand already in
the Gulf of Mexico. The plan needs approval from the federal agencies
involved, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.
Mineral Management Services among others, to get the first dredges
mobilized. Official hope the barrier approach is approved in a timely manner
so operations can begin as soon as this week. 

 

Jindal expressed great concern about the plumes of oil now discovered
underneath the water's surface because the practice of placing booms is not
effective to stop the damage caused by the underwater plumes. Jindal said
the problem is being exacerbated by the use of sub-sea and aerial
dispersants being used. 

 

He said tar balls are now being discovered at South Pass where there is no
sheen or oil visible. Jindal stressed this new plan is consistent with a
long-term coastal preservation plan. As soon as the state's plan is
approved, work can begin immediately to begin to protect coastal waters and
marshes. 

 

"It is so important to get dredging going to build this sand boom," Jindal
said at his press conference after the meeting. "We're committed to
continuing to protect our coast and resources." 

 

St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro agreed.

 

"I want to thank the Governor and (Plaquemines Parish President) Billy
Nungesser for taking the lead on this plan," Taffaro said. "It's a
no-brainer and an obvious barrier that should be there. It will protect
millions of dollars for the state of Louisiana. This plan will protect our
coast and keep the underwater oil out. It should be presented not as an
option but a mandate." 

 

Local and state officials are standing by to receive feedback and approval
for the permit to start this project.

Press who want to access to any Command Center should call ahead and receive
prior approval from Jennifer Belsom. Belsom can be reached at 504-444-6249
or jbelsom at sbpg.net <mailto:jbelsom at sbpg.net> . 

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