DEP working on pilot program to monitor oil on Florida beaches

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is working on a pilot program that would keep volunteers monitoring panhandle beaches for oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The pilot program will try to mirror successful volunteer beach monitoring efforts in other states by enlisting the assistance of concerned residents to observe specific stretches of shoreline and to report any pollution of concern.

The program will provide training, organization and a communication network to interested residents so they can augment Department efforts.

It will bring together DEP, Florida panhandle counties and environmental groups, all of whom have a vested interest in ensuring the state's beaches remain oil free. 

For the last three years, the United States Coast Guard has been the lead agency overseeing BP’s efforts to rid the Gulf Coast beaches of tar balls, tar mats and other oil materials from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

June 1st marked the end of the active monitoring phase. 

The Coast Guard, as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator, moved Florida’s beaches out of active monitoring, based on the routinely minimal amounts of oiled debris being recovered from Florida's beaches in recent months. 

Until the "Beach Watch" pilot program is operational, the Department of Environmental protection will maintain a team to monitor beaches for oil product.

These employees will spend three days per week checking “hot spots” in Escambia County and the other days in the counties and state parks to the east.

Oil product found will be removed on-site if possible or staff will report larger quantities to the Coast Guard for removal by an oil spill contractor.

If you are interested in participating in the "Beach Watch" pilot program please check the Office of Emergency Response page on the Department of Environmental Protection website for updates on the program's development.

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