Okaloosa County News Release Deep Horizon Oil Spill Update #21

What's New: Okaloosa County Beaches Open

• Destin Beaches did get tar balls between last night and today, in which are in the process of being cleaned up.
• The Health Dept. has issued a swimming advisory (caution) in these areas: From Walton County line (east) moving west to Palm St. (Pelican Beach Resort) in Destin.
• Barge tested in Destin East Pass currents today and remaining barges will be positioned upon results of testing and evaluation.
• Air Quality is Good & Drinking water is Safe.
• Reminder: Ideas & Suggestions call 850-270-SAND (7263) or email okaloosaoilresponse@gmail.com.

Oil or Tar ball sightings: DO NOT TOUCH

• Tell a lifeguard
• Local phone: Call 311, select 0.
• Call the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335)
• From most cell phones, dial #DEP
• Oiled Wildlife: 850-650-1880
• What to expect: Highly weathered oil, tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse -oil/water mixture brown, rust or orange in color.

Destin East Pass: OPEN UNTIL OIL APPROACHES

• Mariners should tune into Channel 16 to get updates on Destin East Pass
• Skimmers, Ships, Task force on the water to react & Vessels of Opportunity are working.
• Water quality checks daily; Weather, wind & currents monitored daily.
• Fishing advisory in State waters; prohibited in Federal waters.
• Boaters, please use caution/minimum wake around boomed areas.

Other layers protection/plans:

1. Approved/permitted: Air Curtain (on order);
   
2. Barges to block the pass on incoming tides and move them on the outgoing tide.
3. Sand Berms for beach areas waiting on permits; Booming - complete.
4. Slip Curtain & Foam Filled pipe (requested; waiting to see if work to the west)