Tropical activity in Gulf causes boom removal

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The State Emergency Response Team, in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), today announced the removal of supplemental Tier 3 boom within the next 72 to 96 hours in the Panhandle counties. The removal is in light of the potential tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

"During a tropical storm boom can cause additional damage to the natural resources that we are trying to protect from oil spill impacts," said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. "Given the current oil spill trajectories and the tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico we think this is the best decision for Florida's communities."

The removed boom and associated equipment will be temporarily stored in a secure location to protect it from weather-related damage and to also protect fragile coastline from impacts caused by dislodged boom. Following the tropical activity, should further oil spill impacts be projected, officials will redeploy the boom.

                Following the Deepwater Horizon incident, BP deployed protective boom along the most sensitive areas of Florida's coastline, in accordance with the US. Coast Guard's Area Contingency Plan (ACP). In addition, the state in close coordination with the counties deployed supplemental Tier 3 boom to further protect areas not included in the ACP using funds from the $50 million awarded by BP. 

For more information on Florida's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 888-337-3569.