OIL DISASTER IN THE GULF : DAY 31 OF OIL SLICK AS IT REACHES SHORES...

In Louisiana it is time for the Pelicans to go to their Breeding grounds, but the Oil Slick has now reached the Louisiana's Shores.People on Twitter have been writing to BP begging and nagging them to use HairBooms ( MatterofTrust.org) and Hay and Absorbent Booms. Scientists are worried about the 600 Species at risk in the wetlands, marshes and Gulf. It was hoped that BP would use any and all tactics to absorb the Oil and Stop the Leak. There is too much at stake. In the Photos below today photos were take of the Oil , but also how Some Absorbent Booms laid out might help protect the Coastline.( Today's Post is all about the Oil Slick reaching the Coastlines and Shorelines in Louisiana , yesterday's post is about the Dispersant and Volume Issues, and Health and Wildlife Updates).
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Coastline with NO Absorbent Booms, you can clearly see how damaging the Red Oily Goo is ( BP describes it in the brochure as "Mousse", it looks nothing like mousse, it clearly looks toxic. These three photos are from Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

Oily Red Gooey Blobs have reached the Shores in Louisiana, it's really striking and very visible. On the BP hand outs ( I will include link on bottom of page-BP says that it wants to "verify" the Oil, and that it "might be easily confused with Algae" -yes they said that....) To me , even miles away , it is obvious that the Blobs on this Beach are indeed OIL. Governor Jindal's office of Emergency has a photo slideshow of the damage to marshes and wetlands that is a must see.
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More Booms-some sort of shredded Fiber being used ( I will be following up with the Photographer to ask about the Fibers and absorbent Booms deployed on this shoreline). The Governors Office has been giving updates on the Situation on Twitter, @GOHSEP , they have continued concerns about shortage of boom west of MS river, pushing the @USCG & @BP_America for more Booms and better protection.
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Wed. May 18th, Booms deployed on shoreline-3 Types- Even HAY piles. I am encouraged to see ANY and ALL Absorbent Materials Tested and tried, I would point out by the Brown Pelican nesting grounds and other birds nesting grounds to be really careful and not use Materials that Looks like GOOD bedding for the Pelicans, hopefully the International Bird Rescue and Audubon experts are being dialogued with.
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CBS Evening News had been threatened with Arrest when they tried to film Oil reaching Louisiana's Shores last night, but today they filmed and brought us the story. CBS,Sharyl Atkinson and Katie Couric have continued to investigate and report this unfolding story of the Gulf,covering the Impact on people, the ecosystem and the Fishing Industries.Do watch this Video below as Governor Jindell as he sees the Damaged Shoreline and wetlands.

Watch CBS News Videos Online
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BP Official Bob Dudley speaking on PBS today saying that "Leak will be capped in about a week" .He is saying this as of Day 30,
and we still don't know how much Oil has been spewed into Gulf.

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Must read Article by Bill Finch called "The Slick We Didn't See" asks many of the questions that so many have been asking , especially Scientists as to why BP is not really attempting to STOP the leak-merely slow it ?" and really not examining all that damage that is occurring by the hour.
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Truthout has been doing an amazing job tracking the Oil Disaster as for lack of monitoring, and exploring the dangers with other Rigs. Jason Leopold did an amazing post with a Whistle blower from the Atlantis Rig, and now he has a new post up tonight that raises new concerns about Other Problems with BP that again were not properly investigated by the Bush Administration. "How Bush's DOJ Killed a Criminal Probe BP That Threatened to Net Top Officials." is a MUST READ.
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MORE UPDATES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW:
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Other Updates from this Week
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Kevin Costner has been working on investing in an Innovative Company that is studying Oil Seperation. He is willing to put more money into this research and help the Gulf. Do read this link about his efforts, it would be wise at this point for everyone to be willing to be creative and help the Gulf. I hope that BP, NOAA , EPA and the Coast Guard realize that Disasters of this scope require Transparency and Problemsolving involving the Public.
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Oil Drum has the latest updates on the Siphon process that is worth reading and the Comments are really educational as well. I for one am very confused, if they are gathering one or two thousand barrels a day, but if they are Siphoning and collecting that oil,shouldn't there be easily accessible Data ?
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LA Times has their latest update and it focuses on what the efforts are and how the slick is presenting new challenges.
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Another copy of the Full Letter Senator Markey wrote to EPA Director Lisa Jackson regarding Concerns regarding Dispersants being sprayed on the Gulf.
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As this disaster continues and Fishermen and Coastal People volunteer to assist with the Clean Up I think we need to make sure that their welfare is protected and respected as they volunteer to help with a situation that may indeed be unhealthy. OSHA has printed guidelines that I hope BP is using and honoring.
OSHA fact sheet has ALL the information that people living and working along the Coastline should read as the Slick Grows and fumes and oil has and is reaching shore.
More Revelant Posts re; HairBooms and EPA work etc. See Below:
The Governors Office of Louisanna has Twitter page has updates that are really helpful about staging,damages, organized efforts. Worth checking a few times a day.
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WSJ reported that the TransOcean is trying to limit it's Liability to 27Million.
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BP is still refusing to even TRY HairBooms or HairMats to absorb the Oil Slick ( which astounds me -as they Leak Gushes on with no Relief and they talk about shooting golfballs and tires at it ?) Science Daily explains how the Hair Booms Work. And in spite of BP's stubborness on this issue, Matter of Trust Org is already collecting hair for this cause as they know it has worked on the California Coasts, I encourage you to read their website.
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BBC is asking questions about the Delay in the Disaster Response, asking why was the Response delayed.
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Oil spill video: Times-Picayune reporters give latest updates and coverage.
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Audobon Magazine has update on sealife,
Spill update: Oil might've killed 87 sea turtles, 18 birds, 6 dolphins; oil industry tax hike; leak video.
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Once again Huffington Post has devoted a whole page to this situation. It is to be noted that Think Progress and Truthout and Raw Story and many other blogs have really been tracking Whistleblower concerns, Animal damage and reports from the Gulf States.
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Seafood Resturantes and Suppliers have already started to Sue BP, this has not been reported by Big Media, but local media on the Gulf is starting to Report.
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If you want to help,Volunteer or Donate you can still read more of this post. Thank you for caring for the Gulf.
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Please do scroll down as all the posts below explain about the Volume and the Sat photos explain about the Oil Spill Entering the SE Loop. I will be updating later on Thursday.

OIL DISASTER IN THE GULF : DAY 30 Oil Slick Spreads

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May 17th NASA photo clearly shows the slick being drawn SE into currents towards Florida
NASA has larger photo with analysis that really shows the Oil being drawn to the Currents and the SE Loop.
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Today's Post is on the continuing growth of the Slick, and reports of Tar Balls and the actual Slick reaching Shorelines. It also has Updates on EPA reports, Dispersant Issues, and Health issues. As well as Wildlife Updates. You can still follow me on Twitter @watergatesummer .
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Updates on Growth of the Slick,Tarballs on reaching Shores.
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NOLAnews ( Times Picayune ) has article " Louisiana warns BP: You're cleaning up any oil that gets near coastline".The Times has updated daily what is happening along the Gulf Coastline and what is at stake. This fine NOLA paper has since day one been asking the hard questions and explaining the damage and damage perdictions.
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Oil coats beach sand at the mouth of the Mississippi River on May 17, 2010 south of Venice, Louisiana.
More from TIME
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Sattelite and aerial photos/images for Monday May 17th are raising concerns that the Oil is now reaching the SE Current Loop and will reach the Florida Keys within the next week. There also was a report of Tar Balls being found in the Keys today.( Those Tarballs were sent by BP to a Lab in NJ today, why EPA did not test them I am not certain). Articles about all these issues are below. ( Will update throughout the week of Where Tarballs and Slicks are being reported.
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Christian Science Monitor has updates from May17th, explaining concerns about the Slick now being possibly directed by currents to Florida shores.
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NPR has story up asking serious questions about daily volume being spewed, worries that the volume might be 10 Times what the public has been told by BP. The Video in this story is astounding and worth seeing.
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Reuters explains how as the Slick Widens the Fishing Ban has had to be enlarged. We have not been given updates yet by the Media as to the true devastation this presents to the Fishing Industry in the Gulf. But Lawsuits are beginning to be filed.
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Senator Nelson has a full Video Collection on his YouTube Channel where he has been posting the videos related to the spill, it is worth seeing as the Loop and the Currents and Slick Path is Explored. 20 Tar Balls were found today on the Beaches on the Florida Keys, the Tarballs supposedly were sent to NJ to be analyzed and determine if they are BP oil. @SkyTruth posted video today from Bill Nelon's YouTube site,At last video of the secondary leak just above the BOP - long video, sharp, shot on May 16 which raises signifigant questions about How Much is pouring from the two other "Lesser Leaks" that we don't know about. Times Picayune (NOLANews.com) and SkyTruth really have been giving helpful updates daily. SkyTruth Video continues to ask great questions.
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As the Slick grows and the now the Heavier Oils do reach the Shores, there has been oil creeping into the Louisiana Marshes, as the Tar balls reach Florida.Alabama and Mississippi Coastlines still are being monitored.
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Already BP is trying to control the Reporting and the Data collection. Today CBS tried to report on Oily Beaches and ran into Conflict as the Coast Guard threatened to arrest reporters as they filmed. They are taking orders from BP, it can not be emphasized enough that BP should not prevent Freedom of the Press or the Truth being shown and Told to the Public. There are Right To Know Laws that maybe we need to remind DC about. Already NOAA, EPA and Coast Guard are removing Data , reports and photos from Websites. This is a Matter of Public Safety and must be confronted head on. This is the Link to CBS and their Report on what happened when they attempted to report the Coastal damage. No Journalists of Citizen Journalists should be threatened with Arrest. Citizens who live on the Coast, and make their home there also should not be intimidated or harrassed for wanting to see or report the Damage to their Coastline.
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UPDATES ON WILDLIFE
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166 Turtles have rolled up on Shore dead, necropsies have not been completed yet, but NOAA and Fed Fish and Wildlife supposedly are investigating the deathes of these creatures. The concern is that they spend alot of time in the Deep Sea and may have been exposed to the Oil Slick but also to the Dispersant.
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IBRRC ( International Bird Rescue) has more about the Bird that it has cared for , most of the birds have been the Brown Pelican which is the State Bird of Louisiana and once was on the Endangered Species List. They are caring for the oiled birds and have already brought 4 back that were oiled, cared for, recovered and released. IBRRC
Northern Gannets, Brown Pelicans lead list of oiled birds we have in care; 4 already released and they are caring for others. You can follow them on Twitter @IBRRC. Also @DawnDishSoap is a great follow on Twitter as they give updates.
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UPDATE ON HEALTH ISSUES
Residents of the Gulf Coastal areas already are voicing concerns on Twitter and complaining of Fumes and also the People working on the Sea as part of the Disaster Process with their boats, are having complaints of Lung and respiratory complaints, I am unclear if OSHA is monitoring them or WHO is monitoring their health and making certain that they have the appropriate protective gear. BP and EPA have both been secretative about
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The DISPERSANT issue
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COREXIT has been approved by EPA to be used on the Spill, 476,000 gallons were used in first three weeks, 216,000 gallons are left of the World Supply. IT has never been used in such huge volumes or as a Delayed response tactic. As of so far the Product has not been properly tested in Air,Water or soil or risks to Sea Workers or Wildlife and the workers caring for them. There are scientists stepping forward and voicing concerns for the Questionable practices being shown with this Compound.
The EPA own fact sheets state that it contains Heavy Metals and cyanide. A lighter version of the mixture supposedly contains Kerosene. BP has been attempting to paint is as harmless,like Dish Liquid.But none of the literature states ANY resemblence to soap.( Article linked is from Fast Link). So far 166 Sea Turtles have turned up dead ( this is not normal), 7 dolphins, atleast 7 oiled birds. People of the region remain concerned as they are TOLD TO call BP with Oiled Birds or creatures. ( On Twitter people continue to be encouraged to call DWF or Sierra Club or International Bird Rescue for advice of WHO to tell of Damaged creature).

The Concern about this Compound is that it also may pose risks for the Fishermen who are helping with the Sea Operations and are breathing the fumes of the Dispersant as well as the Oil, are they at risk for Lung or Respiratory Damage? Is OSHA issuing warnings or equipment or Health Monitoring ? ( I am emailing OSHA I will post responses in Comments when or if they arrive).

On another level there has been no discussion of the possible ramifications or damage of more than 700,000 Potent Chemicals entering the Fragile Gulf Food Chain for thousands of Sea Animals ( Fish and mammals).

Snippet From the Fast Company Article:
"UPDATE: In a statement to the Gulf Oil Disaster Recovery Group, toxicology expert Dr. William Sawyer elaborated on the risks associated with Corexit. According to Sawyer, Corexit is also known as deodorized kerosene--a substance with health risks to humans as well as sea turtles, dolphins, breathing reptiles, birds, and any species that need to surface for air exchanges."

What is causing the most Confusion , Deepwater Horizon Site has different information, than the EPA and NALCO, so unless there is transparencies as to what is entering the Sea and effecting Workers and Sealife and Mammals, none of the damages or risks can be properly assessed.

Senator Markey is the first Senator to step forward and voice Concerns about the use of COREXIT, he is speaking out and has written to the EPA about his concerns regarding the potential Toxicity and monitoring.
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In Gulf Spill, BP Using Dispersants Banned in U.K. by ProPublica.
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COREXIT are banned in the UK and Huffington Post has why it is banned and explained the problems it presents.
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EPA'S RESPONSE REGARDING DISPERSANT USE-their new fact sheet as of today.
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Other Updates from this Week
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Kevin Costner has been working on investing in an Innovative Company that is studying Oil Seperation. He is willing to put more money into this research and help the Gulf. Do read this link about his efforts, it would be wise at this point for everyone to be willing to be creative and help the Gulf. I hope that BP, NOAA , EPA and the Coast Guard realize that Disasters of this scope require Transparency and Problemsolving involving the Public.
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Oil Drum has the latest updates on the Siphon process that is worth reading and the Comments are really educational as well. I for one am very confused, if they are gathering one or two thousand barrels a day, but if they are Siphoning and collecting that oil,shouldn't there be easily accessible Data ?
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LA Times has their latest update and it focuses on what the efforts are and how the slick is presenting new challenges.
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Another copy of the Full Letter Senator Markey wrote to EPA Director Lisa Jackson.
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Seafood Resturantes and Suppliers have already started to Sue BP, this has not been reported by Big Media, but local media on the Gulf is starting to Report.
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If you want to help,Volunteer or Donate you can still read more of this post. Thank you for caring for the Gulf.

GULF OIL DISASTER UPDATE FROM WEEKEND...(Scoll down for more from Weekend)May17th,2010

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Satellite from COSMO-SkyMed satellites image from 5.16.10 shows the spill is growing.... Business Week is carrying Story "Is BP burying it's head in sand regarding Size of Spill ? Looking at these Images-which one can compare to images of just a week ago, one has to ask the same questions. The Post from yesterday down below has some disturbing articles asking hard questions about actual Volumes of Oil being spewed into the Gulf at this point.
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Do compare Sat.Image above to the NASA photo of May4th, and it is clearly showing that the plumes are growing, and that spill has increased in size and proximity to Coastline.

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Yet this is the NOAA 5.18,10 photo-different than the NASA photo-because it show the TAIL of the spill that is headed to the Loop

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Deepwater Horizon: NOAA Projected Oil Spill Trajectory Map for May19 does already line up with this Image from above, which raises questions is the Plume growing faster than we know ? Deep Water Horizon Projection maps that had been posted on Sunday were pulled late Sunday night -so I can not post them.
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When looking at the Images above, it is also good to keep in mind that Hurricane Season is mere weeks away,
and USGS is already creating projection maps trying to track the possible Plume Paths, and landfall. There were new concerns expressed over weekend regarding the Plumes and the Current Projected paths, including concerns for the Florida Coast and the Keys and even the path projected to Atlantic. Geologist from DiscoverNews weigh in about the Huge underwater plume and what it means for the marine life under or near the plume, he also has video posted with story.
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From BBC Monday May 16th,2010 ( You can look at this map and compare it to Sat Image)
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BBC's post on "US not happy with BP's curbing efforts" regarding the Latest siphoning efforts. Sunday Afternoon both HLS and the Dept of Interior raised concerns and questions via Statements. ( We have not heard what those statements have resulted in as to responses from BP).
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Ap video about the Siphon Process from MrWells of BP Sunday Afternoon, there is no actual video/photos of Siphon Process:

Most of the weekend there were various stories regarding the Siphon process, and the reports were varied and confusing.It is unclear how siphoning helps close/cap the actual leak ? By 6PM Sunday BP was reporting to CNN that the Siphon process was "marginally effective" and that the next plan was to do a "MudKill-shooting Drilling Muds at the Spill and then a Junk Shot would be attempted" ( This was read on air by CNN reporter, but there was no presser given by anyone explaining these new alternatives.) I am posting the AP video because it is really all I could find as an official Presser on the BP Strategies from the Weekend. We also were told that More Dispersant had been approved to be used, as of Saturday-but there was never any update as to whether 216,000 more gallons were to be added to the 476,000 gallons already used. ( Multiple people like me are still requesting that the Waters,Necropsies and Sediments be also tested for the Dispersant Products/Ingredients, not just fuel chemicals). This is my post from last week that explains or questions about the Dispersants and their use, and needed testing in /near fragile egosystem. I did write to EPA and BP and ask questions about the heavy metals and cyanide with no response as of yet.
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I spent the weekend researching Technologies trying to better learn if the Junk Shot or the Mud Kill or the Siphon was the best that we could look forward to ? I am also puzzled why Hairbooms or Hay are not being supported for the Coast ? or Why Absorbent Booms or Tankers being used like they were for the Valdez Spill ? I stumbled across this Article questioning the antiquated Strategies being used still today that trace back the Valdez Spill ? After Exxon Valdez, is technology still same? Houston Chronicle: "Decades after Exxon Valdez" .
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Last Night on 60 Minutes they did run a 15 Minute story on the Explosion on the Deepwater Oil Rig and interviewed a Survivor. This story is worth seeing and reading carefully, as it illuminates many safety issues and concerns that we did not know about before. It also explains the Missing Safety info that we are now learning about the Prevention Protections that were not in place. You can see the Segment Here and also read the Related Materials and interviews.During the Segment they also reported about the Safety concerns of another Oil Rig, The Atlantis, many of us know of that story from Jason Leopold of Truthout, and his story is linked to the Piece or you can read Jason Leopold's Whistleblower here to learn more about the Atlantis Situation.
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Today AP reported that the previous Fed Inspection Reports were/are also in Question.
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Nature News Last post from journalist Mark Schrope on board a research vessel studying the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is a must read for anyone wondering what it really looks like in the Gulf right now.
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Latest from NOAA on Sea Life that is being monitored and the efforts put forth ( including Sea Turtles update). Still have not located the Necropsy Reports for the Turtles found dead. ( Not sure who has them if NOAA has them , Fed Fish&Wildlife or BP ?)
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JMCosteau posted Videos from the Field that are very helpful and give a better picture of what is at stake and happening. ( Videos from may 15th and posted to Twitter).
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Think Progress posted more over the weekend about Sea life at risk, including this post regarding Dolphins found dead in the Gulf.
Snipett:
"As ThinkProgress has documented, the BP oil spill off of Louisiana’s coast threatens more than 400 species, with the potential “devastation beyond human comprehension.” Already, brown pelicans, sea turtles, and various types of fish have turned up dead. Now, the National Marine Fisheries Service is reporting that six dolphin carcasses have also been found in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama since May 2".
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If you want to help,Volunteer or Donate you can still read more of this post. Thank you for caring for the Gulf.
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More Updates Later today.....stay posted. ( I will also post about Gulf Aid's Benefit last night to raise funds and awareness.

OIL DISASTER IN THE GULF: THE GUSHER STILL GOING STRONG DAY 26

Nesting Ground of the State Birds Brown Pelicans in Louisiana...Now very at Risk..

Sunday May 16th,2010
"The Sea, the great unifier,is man's only Hope. Now,as never before, the old phrase has a literal meaning: We Are All in the Same Boat."~ J.Cousteau
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New York Times article this weekend really examines what we are NOT seeing, the Oil Plume that is just below the surface. It raises strange questions as to whether the Dispersant is camouflaging a bigger problem in the deep Gulf waters. It also raises concerns about the daily depletion of Oxygen and nutrients that will effect the Gulf causing possible permanent damage. It describes the Plumes as being many miles in length and unseen from above, which also raises questions about the fish and birds that are now surely unsuspecting victims to this mire of a mess.
Snippet:
Snippet:
"Scientists are finding enormous oil plumes in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, including one as large as 10 miles long, 3 miles wide and 300 feet thick in spots. The discovery is fresh evidence that the leak from the broken undersea well could be substantially worse than estimates that the government and BP have given.

“There’s a shocking amount of oil in the deep water, relative to what you see in the surface water,” said Samantha Joye, a researcher at the University of Georgia who is involved in one of the first scientific missions to gather details about what is happening in the gulf. “There’s a tremendous amount of oil in multiple layers, three or four or five layers deep in the water column."
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This "Critical Issues " Article from the National Geographic is a MUST read and really raises some pretty alarming issues about the Fate of the Gulf at this moment.
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Ed Pilkington of The Guardian raises more concerns regarding the UnderWater Plumes. It is to be remembered that people around the world are watching our Crisis unfold.
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This post by an Expert sounds the Alarm about how Dangerous this Disaster really is, and raises many Questions as to how it is being handled. This article in Energy Examiner called " Volcano of Oil " explains how the Gusher is spewing and why we need to know how bad this disaster really is. Do read the whole article , it will help explain the gravity of the situation in terms any Non Oil Layperson can grasp.

"New video showing largest hole from pipe 21-inches in diameter spewing oil and natural gas at ~4 barrels per second, along with analysis of the amount of oil on the surface, supports the estimates closer to several million gallons per day erupting from this hole BP popped in the ocean floor that contains a vast amount of oil and natural gas."
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Reuters post this article last night that lays out the Realities of how this Disaster in the Gulf will effect 4 States at least. These Coastline States are fragile and really facing a historic Crisis that we should be examining now and preparing. It is to be noted that 40% of all our seafood comes from the Gulf, Millions of people are a part of that Industry and families 26 days into this are already struggling due to lack of work and pay. 2nd Harvest has already been advertising on the Internet and Twitter asking for Increased contributions due to so many already feeling the hardship of this situation.

WSDU has story up tonight about the first Oily Shrimp found in the Terrebonne Parrish, and near Sister Lake. More than 50% of our Shrimp comes from the Gulf, and this is the start of losing this great seafood resource, how much the fish and oysters have been impacted, Time will tell at this point.

This article from Nola.com or Times Picayune details the efforts and maps out the strategy of the National guard in Louisiana "the Bucket Brigade".
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The Dispersant and it's dangers, Heavy Metals and Cyanide. The odd thing is that these chemicals if dropped in a Water Body by you or I would be in Direct Violation of the Federal Clean Water Act. This Weekend EPA and Coast Guard both were said to be approving using 216,000gallons more of this Dispersant, even though it is 26 days into this crisis and the Compound has ONLY been approved in smaller amounts IMMEDIATELY after a spill of much smaller proportions, and it is NOT to be used by Fragile Ecosystems. (My post by the way is based on EPA's OWN manifests and information.And yes I did write to the EPA regarding these concerns.)

This post from the Times Picayune clearly explains that this Dispersant Experiment if being committed on our most plentiful Seafood Source and lacks wisdom or long term study of the consequences for an entire region.
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Huffington Post did a wonderful tribute post to the 11 Rig Workers that lost their lives in the Explosion that is worth reading and seeing. Mostly very young family men. I hope that the Truth about the Explosion comes forth on all levels so that these families can have some peace. It would be nice of 60 Minutes or some show would honor these men for their work and tell their stories, as their loss has been eclipsed by the Leak. As more and more safety issues are exposed it also shows that BP or TransOcean can not even attempt to use "Operator Error" as an answer for the Explosion. But with the Blame Game afoot we should all be wary of what and who they will blame next.
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As this disaster continues and Fishermen and Coastal People volunteer to assist with the Clean Up I think we need to make sure that their welfare is protected and respected as they volunteer to help with a situation that may indeed be unhealthy. OSHA has printed guidelines that I hope BP is using and honoring.
OSHA fact sheet has ALL the information that people living and working along the Coastline should read as the Slick Grows and fumes and oil has and is reaching shore.
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More and more people, including Officials and lawmakers in Louisianna are concerned that BP is not up to handling this disaster effectively. ( It should be noted that BP is not known for Disaster Management-so the bigger question is why are they being allowed to manage a Disaster ?) This link has more from the Christian Science Monitor.
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Photo from Boston Globe's Big Picture May 13th from one of the Workers aboard boat working the Disaster
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{Enigma Note: At this point I can only continue to post the updates and document the Damage. I try to not force my opinions or editorialize,but I can not watch and report all of this with no opinion.Too much is at stake. At what point we do ask the White House to declare the Gulf a Disaster Zone, a National Emergency ? On another level, a part of me wonders if BP is the criminal, Criminally Negligent for this mess why are we "allowing" them to Clean it up ? Should we trust them ? Would we let a Murderer Clean up a Crime Scene ? And then on another level should we realize that so far ALL the Problem solving we have seen from BP is NOT Disaster Driven, it is all Oil Motivated, all the ideas have been about Rescuing Oil NOT Blocking the "Leak". The Containment Dome was about Siphoning the Oil to the Surface, NOT about Shutting Down the "Leak", and then there was the "Top Hat" (same thing), and Now they are using a Long Straw, again to "siphon the Oil". NOT one of these "Ideas" was presented or even promoted by Scientists. We have heard very little by Scientists. And one of the more radical Approaches involves Hundreds of Thousands of Gallons of Dispersant being used that is Dangerous to Fragile Aquatic Life as it contains Heavy Metals and Cyanide. The Media and the White House should be speaking to the Best Marine Scientists and Engineers and Geophysicists to discuss this Dangerous situation.And all of us should speak up and call the White House as this will effect 5 States, and Entire Water Body that Millions rely on. This situation is worse than 100 Katrinas and we need to recognize that it is a Disaster of mammoth proportions.}
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Astro Stochi's photo from Space Station May 13th ....The Disaster is visible from space...easily.
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IF you want to assist or donate to assist the Gulf this Post still has all the Links and Resources.

President Obama Fuming in Rose Garden Blasts BP (Friday May 14th)

News Junkie has a good post about the President speaking in the Rose Garden on Friday May 14th.

OILSPILL UPDATE...Friday May 14th Oil Slick Grows in the Gulf

(Boston Globe photo from May 12th)
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The Actual Video that it took BP over 3 weeks to Release to the Public showing the Gusher 5000 feet down via Think Progress and NWF:

Here is the the Think Progress post about the Gusher, and do read the comments where some educated people have weighed in, including people asking WHICH pipe is this-the 16 inch pipe? the 21 inch pipe?
LA TIMES has placed the leak up to 10-14 times higher than we have been told, instead of 5000 barrels daily, more like 70,000 barrels/daily.
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Truthout is one of the first journals to raise the Criminal Question,may others start to ask more questions about this situation,an Explosion that killed 11,injured 17 and now is damaging an entire Body of Water and shoreline of possible 5 states and maybe even Mexico. How CEOs have conducted themselves at the Hearings and how they have hid the Footage raises new questions.
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New information on how Big the Disaster really is, today Scientists and Experts Weighed in on the amounts of Oil Gushing, New Estimates say it's a Exxon Valdez every 4 days.... At first we were told 1000 barrels day, then 2000, and now we realize we really don't know. But all new estimates are well above 5000 barrels day, which is more than 210,000 gallons /day, more like 250,000 to ONE million gallons per day. But it seems that the Footage of the Flow can and should be calculated by Experts to at least guess-estimate a more accurate Leaking Volume.
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Late Thursday afternoon the Experts and Scientists started weighing in regarding size of the Oil "Leak", it is unclear if they were re-examining aerials or looking that the NEW video that it took 3 weeks for BP to publicly release. First it was NPR then NYT and by 5PM we learned that the White house is holding a special News Conference on the Spill tomorrow.
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NYT has articles raising concerns about the size of the Spill and was it miscalculated and they raise more concerns about the shear daily volume that is still Leaking daily.The most striking analysis came from an Expert that has studied Oil Slicks using Aerials.
Snippet from NYT article 5.13.10
The criticism escalated on Thursday, a day after the release of a video that showed a huge black plume of oil gushing from the broken well at a seemingly high rate. BP has repeatedly claimed that measuring the plume would be impossible.The figure of 5,000 barrels a day was hastily produced by government scientists in Seattle.

It appears to have been calculated using a method that is specifically not recommended for major oil spills.Ian R. MacDonald, an oceanographer at Florida State University who is an expert in the analysis of oil slicks, said he had made his own rough calculations using satellite imagery. They suggested that the leak could “easily be four or five times” the government estimate, he said.

“The government has a responsibility to get good numbers,” Dr. MacDonald said. “If it’s beyond their technical capability, the whole world is ready to help them.”
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NPR released their article late afternoon raising their estimates to more than 5000 barrels /day, a Valdez every 4 day, and some estimates are even higher.

NPR Snippet
"NPR's Richard Harris has learned that much more oil, 70,000 barrels a day or more than ten times the official estimate, is gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon pipe, based on scientific analysis of the video released Wednesday.That's the equivalent of one Exxon Valdez tanker full every four days.
The U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that oil was gushing into the ocean at the rate of 5,000 barrels a day. But, again, NPR has been told that estimate is very low."
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@mnphysicist contributed this info re: oil flow calculations (based on videos&NPR articles) is a discussion and info posted on the Oil Drum where people are trying to estimate more about the Size and Volume of the Spill.
Math Notes from the Oil Drum based on the Pipe Video:Math details:
Pipe diameter is roughly 16 inches (0.4 meters), estimated using this photo with 12-inch wrench for scale.

From video, looking at motion of black stuff (oil) *only* and ignoring the much faster white stuff (gas), black stuff goes 1 pipe diameter in about 0.4 seconds, giving a speed of about 1 m/s.

Notice flow out of pipe is separated: gas in the top half, oil in the lower half. To get oil volume, multiply area of lower half of pipe times oil velocity:
0.5 * pi * (.2 m)^2 * 1 m/s = 0.06 m^3/s = 30,000 barrels/day

(Possible errors of 50% or so in oil velocity, cross-sectional area of oil flow, and in the assumption that the black stuff is 100% oil, for a cumulative factor of 2 uncertainty.)
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Raw Story has more estimates and concerns, but at this point no one that has seen the Video of the Gusher one mile down has any encouraging words, or lower estimates. It is unfortunate that BP hid this important scientific evidence that Scientists and Engineers needed. It might even be Criminal at this rate.
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MORE NEW PHOTOS FROM THE GULF AND VIDEO
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Stunning photos from the Gulf showing the many parts of this situation from the Boston Globe.
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More Gulf aerials and photos from Flyovers today by Gulf Restoration Network.
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(reported by @Treehugger) Damage is beginning to be measured and seen as it reaches different parts of the Shoreline and Gulf Islands and Barriers. The first Fish Kill is On Dauphin Island,Alabama from last night.
Here is the actual video and footage of the Fish Kill-more than 300 fish, mostly large in Size. The Question is what killed these full grown fish, was it the Oil ? The Fish they ate ? or the Dispersant ? or the Chemicals that were used by the Military near Dauphin Island.

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Raccoon Island (Bird Sanctuary)of Louisiana has found damaged and dead animals that clearly point to Oil Damage. St.Bernards Parrish,Terrebonne and other parishes are readying for the Oily Mess. ( I will update more on this tomorrow).
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Fishing Families line up for food,services and assistance from Catholic Charities In Louisiana,many live week to week on Fishing Earnings and there are no earnings right now. 2nd Harvest and Catholic Charities are both collecting for our Neighbors in the Gulf:

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Actual Bird struggling against the Oily Mess Sunday ( Boston Globe)

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First oil soaked Pelican getting care, do see more photos on Boston Globe link below.If you want to help of donate to Animal and Wildlife care here is the link that has all the phone numbers and organizations that are helping in the Gulf from NWF to Sierra Club to NRDC to Audobon Society.
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OTHER IMPORTANT UPDATES:
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Mexico's Officials has started to raise concerns as the Slick moves in a westerly direction and Hurricane Season approaches.
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EPA Director arrived today in NOLA and this is about her visit, as Fishermen are getting concerned about the situation, it is good that she is back.
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The Governors Office of Louisanna has Twitter page has updates that are really helpful about staging,damages, organized efforts. Worth checking a few times a day.
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WSJ reported today that the TransOcean is trying to limit it's Liability to 27Million.
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BP is still refusing to even TRY HairBooms or HairMats to absorb the Oil Slick ( which astounds me -as they Leak Gushes on with no Relief and they talk about shooting golfballs and tires at it ?) Science Daily explains how the Hair Booms Work. And in spite of BP's stubborness on this issue, Matter of Trust Org is already collecting hair for this cause as they know it has worked on the California Coasts, I encourage you to read their website.
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BBC is asking questions about the Delay in the Disaster Response, asking why was the Response delayed.
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Oil spill video: Times-Picayune reporters give latest updates and coverage.
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Audobon Magazine has update on sealife,
Spill update: Oil might've killed 87 sea turtles, 18 birds, 6 dolphins; oil industry tax hike; leak video.
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Once again Huffington Post has devoted a whole page to this situation. It is to be noted that Think Progress and Truthout and Raw Story and many other blogs have really been tracking Whistleblower concerns, Animal damage and reports from the Gulf States.
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Note from Enigma: So as this week ends the Gulf Shorelines have started to see tarry blobs/balls roll up on shore and first dead animals,fish,dolphins(6) and turtles(28) and injured birds. Many are also starting to ask questions about the large volume of dispersant that has been used CorExit it is called, 450,000 gallons have been used, largest amount ever. I am trying to find information about this chemical and have been writing to the Care orgs and even BP asking if the dead animals have been tested for this chemical. As the Gusher continues we need to ask questions about the Huge volume of thick gooey crude oil and the Methane, and what will help the situation at this point. Many want The Gusher capped, but so far that has not been successful by BP. I also don't know when or why the Obama Administration has not declared it a National Disaster yet ? The National Guard and the different Parrishs are trying all kinds of solutions from Sand bags to Hay and others are asking for HairBooms. At this point 5 states are staring at a Massive Disaster, we in other states do need to think of how we can help our Neighbors. Especially after watching the CEOs dodge their responsibilities this week at the Hearings, Corporate Greed will not aid our Neighbors.
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Please see Post below with Dangerous Questions about the Dispersant that has been used: IMP.

Friday Night CountDown : New Estimates on Leak (5.14.10)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

OILSPILL Update ....May 10-May 12th Latest from the Gulf Disaster

ABC this am Tuesday May 12th is running story of how BP is refusing to release the Video of the "Leak" and the underwater footage. This photo shows that they can message all they want-the leak 21 days in does appear to be gushing.
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May 8th photos LATimes. NYT maps out how the damage could spread due to Winds.
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{Enigma Note: I am still at this point just posting important links and updates of the Gulf Disaster, and dissect the pieces that might get missed. As the tarry oil clobs reach shore the extent of this disaster will become clearer. At this point I am still gathering info from Twitter as people post news directly from the Gulf. The Ecosystem and an entire way of life is at risk.Hearings are on the Hill this week, but so far it is mostly fingerpointing and a Blame game.} One disturbing detail that came out today at the Hearings was that the Safety data was not properly collected or monitored by the Drill Inspectors. Halliburton,TransOcean , and BP are all fingerpointing. If they are so hellbent on finding blame,maybe they should ALL share the blame,because 21 days in, it is a legacy they all can and will share.
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USA Today video is a must see, really shows what is going on today,especially along the Gulf Coastal Islands.Aerial Footage shows how horrific it is. (Alabama Register) The Hearings today were concerning as the blame flew around the room and inhibited factfinding and problemsolving, CS Monitor has more about the Hearings that explores what was discussed and not discussed.
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The Government has the most complete page that is updated daily includes updates from Interior and Fish and Wildlife and NOAA. Over the weekend the 4 story dome that BP lowered down failed,so as of now, BP is still trying to dig 2 other relief wells ( which will take 3 weeks at least to complete). Now as of tonight they are attempting a new structure, smaller called a Top hat. The other cap failed due to ice crystals forming,created by the methane that is also leaking at the site. Another concern is that the original Explosion was caused by Methane.When the barge was sitting over the site of the leak this weekend, there was information on twitter ( not CNN) that the barge was suffering effects of Fumes and also that the workers were having to wear masks and be monitored, as well as explosion/ignition risks.

Here is more from the NOAA site that is and all their efforts that are currently being deployed. Here is more about the new Containment vessel the "Top hat" as explained by BP.

At this point it is important that the safety of all those trying to aid the operation be also protected. BP is asking fisherman to help with the operations, but we need to also be aware that they are at risk as they try to save their livelihoods and their ecosystem.
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Many have been trying to find out about the wildlife and the risks. So far the 28 Sea Turtles that died it was said by different groups that they ate contaminated food (fish). Today there were reports of 6 dolphins found dead. It's important to note that for many of the species at risk, that these marshes wetllands and grounds are their breeding grounds and also where they raise their young, the effects will be devastating on multiple levels. CBS reported on the dolphins in a way that is disturbing. Much of the media is handling this disaster with kid gloves, it is questionable when the gloves come off. NRDC has a whole post about all the animals at risk, from the Turtles and dolphins to the Bluefin tuna.
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Seafood Industries already examining Layoffs while the Oil halts fishing. BP hopefully will pay many of the fishermen that are helping with the Oil Cleanup.
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Sierra Club has updates and page that is full of updates that is constantly updated and worth reading and following as they are covering all the Gulf Concerns. Sierra Club has started asking some questions regarding the Safety and Preparedness that is a must read, and needs closer examination.
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Another group that is working hard to follow the efforts in the Gulf is Jacques Costeau's family and organization their website is following the situation closely.
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Karen Beninato of NOLA posted this and gave the perspective that is a must see, it will make you see it from a whole another point of view.
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BP posted on Twitter their efforts, today it was about more Booms being brought in.
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BP posted other efforts on Twitter about their deep sea efforts using robotics.
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Russia has even offered help with the Oil Slick.
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BBC has great article on the HairBoom Technology and how it works, but it is unclear at this point if BP is willing to try it, although people are collecting hair already. ( In NOLA they are already having HairBoom parties and saving hair and nylons. The National Guard is already trying other efforts of making sand walls. Other parrishes are examing using Hay to sop up the oily mess.
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More to be posted Wed.May 12th.
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If you want to help in the Gulf here is the post that has all the Links and info.
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May 12th Wed. Update from the Hearings::
Updated by Huffington Post goes into detail about series of errors and problems that created the Disaster we are now witnessing.
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I encourage you to visit this Link from NASA as it shows all of the work that they are contributing to assisting with this Disaster in the Gulf. Really great work, that shows again why we need NASA.
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USAToday has illuminating article about the Safety Issues at the Oil Rig that were revealed today at the Hearings, from hydraulic fluid problems, valve problems, monitor problems to missing batteries.
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New Post Coming Later tonight on Gulf Oilspill Disaster

May 6th the Barge with the Containment Dome on board, shows how vast slick...(LATimes)
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Helicopter photo May 6th (LATimes)
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What is still at stake...600 types of wondrous creatures of this ecosystem....

OILSPILL Update Thursday May 6th Evening : The Containment Dome has run into problems,Plume grows, and Fumes hit shore

"The Sea, the great unifier,is man's only Hope. Now,as never before, the old phrase has a literal meaning: we are all in the Same Boat."~ J.Cousteau
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CALL NWF To report oiled or injured wildlife in the Gulf Coast area, call 866-557-1401. Read More HERE. If you want to help or Volunteer,there is a whole post on it that you can read here.
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VERY IMPORTANT ::as of 8:30PM AP is reporting Thursday Night that the Containment Box ( Cap/Dome) is not going well tonight, there are problems with the Heavy Oil Fumes are posing Health Risks and Ignition Risks. I have posted the whole article in the Comment section because it is worth reading. In light of the Explosion 3 weeks ago, it is hoped that BP is protecting the workers and that the Ignition Risk is being taken seriously. Air readings are being taken, and the Containment dome has been delayed in it's lowering. But one does wonder if this Rig is to sit 5000 feet over the Spill site,while it funnels the Oil and the Fumes, is this the best practice for this situation ?
Here is the Video the AP posted in the Afternoon:

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4am Video AP of the Dome being lowered.

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BBC has more about the Spill, how it is growing in nature, reaching shore and Islands of Louisiana Coast.The oil is heavy and thick and now starting to clump into long strings through the Gulf, it is sticky and viscous in nature and yet below it is still continuing to gush. One small leak is sealed, but there is still at least an estimated 210,000 gallons a day surging from the leak at seabed level. So if the Seabed leak is gushing atleast 5000 barrels/day, that is 210,000 gallons a day, which over 16 days means that the leak has put out atleast 3,570,000gallons.
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In light of increased fumes on shore being smelt on shore and oil reaching shores, OSHA has a fact sheet that is supposed to be for the Cleanup Workers, but in all practicality all Coastal people being exposed to this Oil Crisis should read the Fact Sheet. At this point winds and heat play a role in how much the Fumes are felt on shore. People with heart or respiratory conditions should have filtered air (AC) and stay inside. No Federal Agency has come forward and offered advice or instructions at this point, although DHHS or FEMA or NIOSH maybe have been told to intervene ? I am unsure as to WHO should give Guidance, but people are starting to ask questions on Twitter. They have been told to call BP, but what purpose that serves is unclear. I have sent emails to CDC,DHHS,EPA and asked What is the Plan for protecting Health. ( I will update in the Comment section the results,so far it has been an empty trail ).
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NOAA trajectory forecast is really a helpful site to go to to track the geographical track of the Gulf Oil Spill and when checked daily really does show the path in a predictable manner.Really helpful for the Gulf Coastal residents. On Twitter Navy News,Coast Guard and NOAA have increased coverage and information. The actual Link to the NOAA PDF shows that Chandaluer Sound and Breton Sound are clearly in the Spill Zone now. The PDF has great diagrams and maps that clearly map the spill.
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Louisiana Fish and Wildlife is has a video that is really stunning and worth seeing.

La. Dept. of Ag & Forestry ships animal crates to Plaquemines Parish for bird rescue due to oilspill
,and you can read more here about that effort.
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(Amazing photo of the Explosion Injured Rig before it sank posted on Twitter by Greg Palast really shows the extent of this event). His latest post on Truthout is a Must Read that explores BP 's responsibilities and problems.
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It is hard to look at the above photo and know that TransOcean made the Drill Rig Workers and Survivors were forced to sign Liability Waivers, and this has been unreported on the News.
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NPR has more information about the Growing interest in Hair Booms I have tried to promote this effort far and wide and sent it to the Cleanup Organizers with no results.But in the days ahead I am hoping that it is looked at as true scientific effort to stop the slick on shore, hair in nylons make booms can work absorbing the slick.
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More concerns arise about the Chemical Dispersant ( Solvent) and it's possible harm to sealife that it indeed may be harmful to fish,muilusks and seabed creature and the Chain of food.
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NolaNews.com has more updates from the day , including all efforts that are being made for the Fishermen and the seafood vessels and industry.
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Robert F.Kennedy Jr's "Sex,Lies and Oilspills" is a must read and explores the Industry's Liability and problems, and history.
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Another Must Read post is from the LA Times, about a Rig Widow, really raises questions about how the families will be cared for. 2nd Harvest in NOLA is already asking for funds due to impact on families in the region.
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Picayune Times is Nola.com on the internet and twitter tonight very late the story came out that safety Fluid was removed before teh Rig explosion, will this be publicly revealed and questioned is another story. As this explosion is investigated it seems that there are more and more pieces that need scrutiny.
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National Geographic Society had some new posts up today, one in particular asks if the Gulf is now a Dead Zone in the making, presenting startling questions about the Damage and longterm effects.
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If anyone is still confused what happened at the Oil Platform, this article and diagrams explains all of it and is very educational. Also raises many questions about our Oil Drilling and Safety.
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Sierra Club has more on what is causing the growing leak, as the Dome is lowered , it points out that we need to ask why this Leak has gown over the past 2 weeks.
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OILSPILL UPDATE MAY4TH THROUGH MAY 5TH..

Photo from Astro_Soichi posted on Twitter from Space Station taken May 4th, 2010
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Nasa Images
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{Enigma Message : I am a huge fan of the Gulf. I spent many summers and vacations on Sanibel Island and the Florida Gulf Coast and in my late teens I discovered New Orleans and the Louisiana Gulf. I swam with dolphins when I was 12 by accident. I have a place in my heart for this part of the Country that I can not deny. So in many ways it is getting harder to Blog this or be objective and report . I will not post photos of oily animals or birds or Dolphins, I just can't. It's not that I am "ostriching " that part of the story, because I will be posting Wildlife Recovery efforts. I will also report and show Aerials because I think Photos from Satelites and from Space really show the magnitude of this event, and BP's Legacy. I will continue to post updates and you can email me info or updates and you can still follow my on Twitter @watergatesummer }
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If you live in Gulf Coastal Regions I do encourage you to read the OSHA Oilspill Fact Sheet for CleanUp workers as the information applies for those living in the region and experiencing exposure to the Oil Fumes. DHHS and CDC and NIOSH have not issued safety warnings yet. (or responded to my emails effectively). I encourage if you have respiratory or cardiac issues, or Immune Problems to not expose yourself to the Fumes and limit outside exposure.Hopefully Health Risks will start to be examined and precautioned soon.
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Skippy's Post " This is not Obama's Katrina This is Cheney's Chernobyl is an great explanation about What went wrong at the Rig and why Cheney and Halliburton are indeed implicated in this Catastrophe.This post is clear and concise and connects the dots and raises new questions.
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Latest New York Times article is really alarming in it's predictions for the Gusher that is still not under control. In some ways it is stunning that their own Safety teams were able to analyze their practices and eliminate a $500,000 safety part, but they clearly had No Worst Case Scenarios Plans. NYT points out that this gusher has been growing by the day and that true amount can not be measured. The truth is that this oil is also heavier and clumps, which raises questions about the Dispersant that is now being used. (The total effects of the Chemical Dispersant also are not fully know as to the dangers,risks and effects on the water, the ecosystem or the animals and sea life). NRDC has more has more information about the chemicals being used and their possible effects, and or damage.NRDC explains that this Solvent was created by Exxon in the 1990s but has never had to be used in this manner.
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And while we are still watching this Slick Expand we also learn that BP has Limited liability, NRDC explains their 75 million dollar limit or cap and what that now means.
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These photos were posted on Twitter yesterday, they are from Jeremy Symons Flicker Page and were posted by NWF and show the red gooey oily water and the effects, from a man-o-war to Dolphins trying to swim. The whole page is stunning.
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The article has more about the Chemical that is being used to attack the Oil Slick. It is important to remember that no situation has ever required such large quanities of the chemical and near such a fragile ecosystem.
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And while all of us are still trying to grasp what exactly has happened in the Gulf, the Republicans are still pushing their DrillBabyDrill Agenda, Do read Boehner's continued push for drilling for more energy in light of recent Crisis. It shows they are astoundingly greedy and merely Energy Mouthpieces. Think Progress nails the ineptitude in this post.
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If you want to help or volunteer in the Gulf Please do read my earlier post and get Training now to assist or help.

Nashville and 55 Counties in Tennessee are still Flooded ....

Grand Old Opry House as of Tuesday Night. Please do give to the Red Cross, I am encouraging you to write on Nashvillee or TENN. FLOOD RELIEF on your check -that way the money will be designated to the Actual flooded areas, not just thrown in the Red Cross General Fund coffers. Atleast 30 are dead and as the waters recede the area will be combed for more. This historic flood, the worst and most sudden of 300 years has caused untold damage at this point.