Mangano:Preparation Has Begun Should Oil Reach Long Island Shores

Nassau County Leads the Way in Preparing for the Oil Spill

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced efforts by the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management to review and modify the County’s Oil Spill Response Plan and begin planning for the potential of Gulf oil reaching our shore lines. 

“The BP Gulf oil spill is a disaster of epic proportion for states impacted by its reach,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.  “With no end in sight, Nassau County has begun preparing should the Gulf oil spill reach Long Island shores.”

The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), along with the County Department of Heath (DOH), began creating preliminary plans two weeks ago.  OEM has been working with the New York City OEM tracking the currents of the spill.  In addition to tracking the spill, the County has been in contact and is receiving updates and copies of plans from Jackson County, Mississippi, and Lee County, Florida. 

“On June 16th, Nassau County will meet with the New York City, Suffolk County and New York State Office’s of Emergency Management and the US Coast Guard to discuss addressing the potential impact of Gulf oil reaching our shores,” said Mangano.  “In partnership with our other municipalities, Nassau County is drafting an Oil Spill Response Plan to address any local impact.”

Nassau County’s OEM Oil Spill Response Plan was put into place after the 2006 grounding of the fuel barge Kristin Poling off the East Rockaway inlet.  The Kristin Poling coastal tank ship was carrying 16,000 barrels (672,000 gallons) of no. 2 home heating oil when it ran aground.  Although the ship was found to be intact with no release or spill of fuel oil, the Unified Command deployed a total of 20,000 feet of oil recovery boom, 10 vacuum trucks, 20 workboats, 45 contractors and over 70 people to ensure no damage was done to the natural resources in the area from any possible release of fuel oil.