SF oil spill activists's topics - tribe.net

Ship's pilot charged in SF Bay oil spill

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:50:37 GMT

By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - The pilot of a ship that spilled thousands of gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay last November was charged by federal prosecutors Monday with criminal negligence and breaking environmental laws.

Capt. John Cota could face up to 18 months in jail and more than $100,000 in fines if convicted of the misdemeanor charges, which include harming migrant birds protected by the government and violating the Clean Water Act. Cota was not taken into custody, according to court papers.

Cota was at the helm of the container ship Cosco Busan when it struck a fender protecting a support tower beneath the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on Nov. 7. The ship emptied 53,000 gallons of oil into the fragile bay, killing thousands of birds and closing more than a dozen beaches.

The charges filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco accuse Cota of failing to safely guide the container ship through the bay. Specifically, the government says Cota failed to use the ship's radar as he approached the Bay Bridge; failed to adequately review the proposed course with the captain; and failed to use navigational aids that might have helped him avoid a disaster.

"These failures led to the Cosco Busan striking the bridge and spilling the oil," the Justice Department said in a statement.

Cota has disputed some of those allegations.

He told investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board that he relied upon his radar when fog closed in on the ship that morning. But, he said, the radar became "distorted" and "unreliable," so he switched to the ship's electronic charting system.

Cota also told investigators he reviewed the electronic charts with the Chinese captain before departing.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Russoniello said he would not rule out the possibility that others will be charged, but he declined to name any individuals.

A handful of Chinese citizens who were members of the Cosco Busan crew are under a court order to remain in region while several investigations unfold because they are material witnesses, Russoniello told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

That court order, which keeps the unidentified Chinese men here more than four months after the incident, is in part what prompted prosecutors to file charges Monday, he said.

"The court which issued the material witness orders was directing us basically to get on with this, get on with the process of (obtaining) the testimony," Russoniello said.

Several weeks after the crash, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit accusing Cota and the ship's owner, Hong Kong-based Regal Stone Ltd., of violating the National Marine Sanctuary Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Park System Resource Protection Act. The suit accuses the defendants of "fault, negligence and breach of federal safety and operating regulations."

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages to compensate taxpayers for the federal response to the spill. It said the sum of those damages "is not known and shall be established according to proof at the time of trial."

As a result of the Cosco Busan spill, an estimated 2,000 birds died, including federally endangered brown pelicans and federally threatened marbled murrelet, which are endangered under California law. The losses also included Western grebes.

Cota's attorney, Jeff Bornstein, accused the government of bringing charges before the NTSB concluded its investigation. The NTSB's final report containing a "probable cause" is not expected until the end of this year.

"Their decision to bring the charges at this time surprises us given the fact that the NTSB is still continuing to really focus on exactly what happened and all the factors that are involved in that," Bornstein said.

Bornstein said he was not aware of any similar prosecutions that came "before a finding of exactly what occurred."

"This is something that concerns us," he said in a telephone interview.

In a separate prepared statement, Bornstein said: "We are hopeful that our dialogue with the government will continue, but we are prepared to vigorously defend against these criminal allegations. We strongly believe that once all of the evidence is heard, a jury will find in Captain Cota's favor."

Cota has sleep apnea and to ward off drowsiness was taking a prescription drug whose known side effects include impaired judgment, officials with knowledge of the investigations told the AP in January. There is no mention of the drug issue in the criminal information, and Russoniello declined to comment on the matter.

___

Associated Press writer Lara Jakes Jordan in Washington contributed to this report.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Bay Oil Spill Videos on youtube

melissaness — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:04:27 GMT

I forgot to post this here earlier,
SF Ocean Film Festival www.oceanfilmfest.org had a contest to show local videos on the oil spill at their festival. My video was chosen and shown to a packed house, I'm glad more people got to view it and you can too. This is how I showed my oil spill activism.
www.youtube.com/mlaine

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Major Oil Spill Report Released Today

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:31:53 GMT

Baykeeper today released its initial analysis of efforts to respond to the November 2007 Cosco Busan oil spill. The report highlights the need for more training and practice drills in preparation for future oil spills, and it calls for better use of local resources and volunteers. Communications among response agencies and the public were also cited for improvement. The 130-page report offers 100 “lessons learned” and 128 recommendations for improving the response to future spills.

San Francisco Baykeeper helped develop the report along with representatives from several state and federal agencies, California Coastkeeper Alliance and the shipping industry. The full report can be reviewed here. Highlights can be viewed on Baykeeper's website.

Baykeeper will continue to work with officials to ensure that the report's recommendations are followed. It is vital that these changes are made so that the wildlife, waters and shorelines of the Bay and coast are protected from future oil spills. You can provide crucial support for our efforts by becoming a member.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Post Oil Spill Restoration Public Meetings

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:18:21 GMT

Come hear agency plans to restore the San Francisco Bay in the wake of the oil spill. This meeting will not include discussion of oil spill cleanup efforts.

January 22 - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Elihu Harris State Building,
1515 Clay Street, First Floor Auditorium
Oakland

January 29 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mill Valley Community Center, Cascade Room
180 El Camino Alto
Mill Valley

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Help requested - Official Oil Spill Cleanup Nearing Completion

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:17:53 GMT

How You Can Help:

Federal and State officials are winding down their Cosco Busan oil spill cleanup
efforts. We need your help identifying any areas that remain significantly oiled so that we can ensure that as much of the oil as possible gets cleaned up.

If you see a significant amount of oil near the shoreline, please call the West Coast Spill Hotline at 800-852-7550 and tell them you are reporting oil from the Cosco Busan. Then, please alert Baykeeper of what you have seen (how much, where, and when - include photos if you have any) at volunteer@baykeeper.org. We will continue to follow up on cleanup efforts as needed. While documenting oil, please be careful to not harm marine habitat during low tide and to keep a distance from birds and wildlife.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

transport oiled birds to Cordelia

phoenixfirestarter — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:32:14 GMT

As of 12/14/07 volunteers are still transporting some oiled birds or dead birds from local wildlife facilities to the International Bird Research and Rescue Center in Cordelia, CA. If anyone is interested in transporting an oiled bird tonight or tomorrow, please let me know and I will provide you with the information.

Noreen Weeden

415-252-1039

Noreen@naturetrip.com

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Marin town hall meeting updated time Sun., Dec. 16 10am-12 noon

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:34:08 GMT

Baykeeper is analyzing how well booming and oil recovery strategies in the Area Contingency Plan worked in protecting sensitive areas like Bolinas Lagoon. Baykeeper and Assemblyman Jared Huffman will hold a town hall meeting this Sunday, December 16 from 10am-12noon at the Stinson Beach Community Center. They want to hear testimony from Marin County residents and officials who took part in efforts to respond to the oil spill – including attempts to boom Bolinas Lagoon. They also hope to hear your stories if you witnessed official containment and clean up efforts and wish to comment on their timeliness and effectiveness. Please contact volunteer@baykeeper.org if you have special accessibility concerns or need an interpreter at the event.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Marin town hall meeting Sun., Dec. 16 2-4pm

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:06:50 GMT

Baykeeper is analyzing how well booming and oil recovery strategies in the Area Contingency Plan worked in protecting sensitive areas like Bolinas Lagoon. Baykeeper and Assemblyman Jared Huffman will hold a town hall meeting this Sunday, December 16 from 2-4 pm at the Stinson Beach Community Center. They want to hear testimony from Marin County residents and officials who took part in efforts to respond to the oil spill – including attempts to boom Bolinas Lagoon. They also hope to hear your stories if you witnessed official containment and clean up efforts and wish to comment on their timeliness and effectiveness. Please contact volunteer@baykeeper.org if you have special accessibility concerns or need an interpreter at the event.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

volunteer opportinities in Marin (training/clean-up)

phoenixfirestarter — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:36:08 GMT

As of Wednesday afternoon, official volunteer opportunities have been announced only in Marin. We are gratified that our pressure on Marin agencies has resulted in these opportunities.

Marin Oil Spill Volunteer Response Training
9am - 1pm Saturday, Nov. 24

Marin Official Beach and Shoreline Cleanups
9am - 4 pm Saturday, Nov. 24
9am - 4 pm Sunday, Nov. 25

To register to participate in the class or the cleanups, please call 415-499-7191 or send an e-mail to pthomas@co.marin.ca.us. Include your name and primary contact information when leaving a message or responding via e-mail. Interested individuals will be contacted with location and details.

With proof of completion or certification, individuals who have received oil spill training in San Francisco or Berkeley may participate in the Marin clean up efforts.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 2 replies

satellite images of spill (from Day 5)

phoenixfirestarter — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:42:25 GMT

Satellite images taken five days after the spill reflect on-the-water reports that the fuel oil moved quickly throughout the Bay. This dispersal is of particular concern because of toxic impacts to sensitive wildlife habitat areas in marsh areas in the East Bay and as far south as the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge.

http://skytruth.mediatools.org/objects/view.acs?object_id=11286

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Upcoming Oil Spill Fundraisers

phoenixfirestarter — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:37:25 GMT

Knitters for Critters
The knitters who gather at Marin Fiber Arts are putting their needles and yarn on the line for the birds and the mammals affected by the oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Stop by Winter Wonderland in downtown San Rafael on November 23 and buy a knitted ornament to benefit Baykeeper and other nonprofits working on the oil spill.

Bimbo's 365
Visit our table to make a donation.
Jose Gonzalez & Friends
plus Cass McCombs
Sunday, November 25
Doors at 7 pm Show at 8 pm
Tickets are $22 in advance / $25 at the door.
21 & over are welcome

California Culinary Academy
$20 dinner tickets benefit Baykeeper
Menu to include various seafood such as crab cakes and tuna tartar, salads, mashed potato bar, tiramisu, beer, wine and coffee.
Friday, November 30
5pm -8pm
The Grill at 625 Polk St.
RSVP by Nov. 28 to Chef Steven Moore at (650) 348-2071

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Volunteer Beach Clean-up Thanksgiving Day

phoenixfirestarter — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:28:58 GMT

National Park Service Officials anticipate that the high tide on the morning of November 22nd, Thanksgiving Day, may deposit small tar balls and minor amounts of oil at Ocean Beach. Therefore, the City and County of San Francisco, together with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service, will coordinate a volunteer beach clean-up to sweep the area for newly deposited oil spill debris. This opportunity is only open to volunteers who have attended training and received a Cosco Busan.
Disaster Service Worker Identification Card.

Date: Thursday, November 22nd

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Locations: Volunteers should report to either of the two locations listed below (Fire Trucks will mark the staging areas):
1. Lincoln Way and Ocean Beach Parking Area
2. Sloat Blvd and Ocean Beach Parking Area

Details: Only volunteers with a Cosco Busan Disaster Service Worker Identification Card will be permitted to participate in this beach clean-up activity. Since the amount of debris is likely to be minor, there are no plans to close the beach or to deploy volunteers in full personal protective gear. Volunteers will be provided with the amount of protective equipment necessary in relation to the amount of debris. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, booties, scoops, hair mats and buckets. Lunch will not be provided at this deployment.

If there is a need for additional volunteer deployment in the coming weeks, information will be posted on the 311 website, www.sfgov.org/311. Please check back regularly for the most up to date information or call 3-1-1.

For information on volunteer opportunities other than beach clean-ups, please visit www.thevolunteercenter.net. To make a monetary donation to agencies working on Oil Spill related response, please visit www.sfgov.org/311.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Alabaster Corp. Provides Bio-Remediation Services...

anhareus — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:44:03 GMT

About Alabaster Corp. Products
1-800-609-2728

Alabaster Corporation is a bioremediation company, which specializes in the elimination of hydrocarbon contamination and environmental consulting. The company produces and develops bioremediation chemicals and materials. These materials are designed as a two-part system consisting of live, “oil eating” microbes and an advancement solution. The advancement solutions are a combination of chemicals designed to break down the hydrocarbons for ingestion by the microbes and to promote a proper biological environment for the microbes to flourish. When properly applied, the hydrocarbons are reduced to harmless fatty acids, carbon dioxide and water.

Since it's beginning Alabaster Corporation has been involved with over 1000 successful bioremediation projects including hundreds of PST storage tank installations and removals. Additionally Alabaster Corporation is listed in the United States Department of Defense Central Contractor Registration list with a standing BPA or (Blanket Purchase Approval) for our bioremediation, dispersant and surface washing products. Alabaster Bioremediation Products are used in a wide variety of applications from large-scale waste site or environmental pollution clean up to smaller scale uses in various industries. Alabaster has furnished microbic chemicals and solutions to the Panama Canal Commission, The U.S. Navy (Norfolk Naval Station), The U.S. Air Force (Langley Air Force Base) under the Alabaster label.

Alabaster Corp. produced and developed the groundbreaking emergency response product named Petro-Clean Emergency Response Solution® which is Listed on the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's NCP Product Schedule as a surface washing agent. This revolutionary product when applied to any hydrocarbon spill. Will break up the hydrocarbons on contact and can render the spill NON-FLAMMABLE! Leaving no slippery residue when washed down. It is that simple! Excellent for Aviation and Aerospace fuel spills! Petro Clean Will Even Break Down and Remediate Glycols!

Petro-Clean is on the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's NCP Product Schedule This listing does NOT mean that EPA approves, recommends, licenses, certifies, or authorizes the use of Petro-Clean on an oil discharge. This listing means only that data have been submitted to EPA as required by subpart J of the National Contingency Plan, Sec. 300.915.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Bioremediation Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

anhareus — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:31:58 GMT

There is a $2,000,000 grant available for the study of Bioremediation. I am just putting this out there... perhaps there might be a student or scientist onboard here who's capable of some serious forward thinking.

Description

Purpose. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is announcing a new funding opportunity to support individual research projects as part of the Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SBRP). The objective for this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to enhance our understanding of the basic structural and functional properties of biological populations that are involved in the bioremediation of hazardous substances by integrating or adapting innovative nanotechnology based tools for sensing, detecting, and elucidating processes at the molecular and nano-scale. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) award mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The NIEHS intends to commit a total of $2 million to fund six to eight grants that will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2009. An applicant may request up to 3 years of support. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Eligible Institutions/Organizations. You may submit (an) application(s) if your organization is an accredited domestic institution of higher education. Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs). Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution/organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. Number of Applications. Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct. Renewals and Resubmissions. Neither competing renewals (formerly competing continuation ) nor resubmissions will be accepted for this R01. At this time, it is not known if this FOA will be reissued. Number of PDs/PIs. More than one PD/PI, or multiple PDs/PIs, may be designated on the application. Application Materials. See Section IV.1 for application materials. General Information. For general information on SF424 (R and R) Application and Electronic Submission, see these Web sites: SF424 (R and R) Application and Electronic Submission Information: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm General information on Electronic Submission of Grant Applications: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/ Hearing Impaired. Telecommunications for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 301-451-0088. Special submission date: February 15, 2008. Initial merit review convened by NIEHS.

Link to Full Announcement

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-07-007.html

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

ride for donated hairs to the mat making place: bezerkeley to hayward

teaksmama — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:07:09 GMT

this from craiglist poster:

Free hair ball transport to help with oil spil efforts. (berkeley)
Reply to: sale-484770542@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-11-20, 11:16AM PST

yes they are using hair to help absorb the oil from the bay area oil spill. see link below. I frequently drive to Hayward (near the hair receive site) and can take your hair with me. I shaved my own head and thought we don't need a bunch of cars driving to deliver all this hair...So I'll be the Berkeley hair receive site for now. Email me if you have any questions and directions to my house. I'll be delivering 3 days a week. Thanks for your help, pete

http://www.matteroftrust.org/programs/hairmatsinfo.html#salons

Hair instructions from their site...

Instructions:
Please line boxes (recycled shampoo supply boxes work well) with plastic garbage bags. Please no metal pins or clips (if possible, please no cigarette buts or paper cups etc.).

Yes, individuals can also mail in to this warehouse. Pet hair is ok too - but not as efficient . As if Mother Nature said "Only humans will be silly enough to spill oil. Better dangle the best solution infront of their eyes."

Yes all types and colors of hair can be donated, since everyone lays on the beaches and swims in the waters. And especially since all the hair and oil are removed as toxic waste.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Bio-Remediation... clean up petroleum with fungii

anhareus — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:42:16 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BelfLIJErek

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

THE STATE OF WATER QUALITY TESTING:

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:26:01 GMT

I copied the following post from http://zunasurf.wordpress.com/page/2/

We’ve raised water testing questions to many different groups over the last few days.

Is it being tested? How often and when?

How will the public know the status & progress, especially those of us who are surfers, swimmers, kiteboarders and other ocean-lovers who regularly immerse ourselves in the water for long periods of time?

THE OFFICIALS: “WE DON’T KNOW”
Last night (Wed 11.14), we asked the EPA and other officials running the volunteer training those very same questions. The answer? “We don’t know.”

That’s not what we wanted to hear. For many of us surfers and ocean aficionados,

1. We are aware that testing for oil may be challenging, given all the other toxic chemicals that are in our local waters. One of the officials leading volunteer training, Harry Allen of the EPA, mentioned last night that oil spills and other toxic spills of all sizes happen daily in our waters, up and down the coast. Although many of us know our waters aren’t clean, it’s still alarming to hear that directly. [By the way, kudos to the EPA, SF Emergency Response, and the Parks Service for all their efforts in putting on the training to get so many of us citizens certified.]

2. We also worry about those who’ve already breathed in the fumes or were unknowingly in direct contact with the toxic waters and sand– surfing, swimming, walking their dogs, or helping with clean-up from Thursday-Monday, before beaches were shut down. Some still have headaches, red rashes and more. [see our area on Health Risks & Tips].

3. We also know that reactions vary, depending upon type of exposure –e.g. fumes vs. direct contact, amount of exposure, and how sensitive someone might be. Some folks are simply just ultra-sensitive, or have compromised immune systems.

DEMAND ANSWERS NOW!
To enjoy our beaches in the future, will we have to develop Hazmat wetsuits — “Chewbacca-style,” made with hair-mat technology?

We jest for a second, but the matter at hand is serious. We contacted the SFPUC yesterday, who does regular water testing of area beaches and puts out reports through earth911.org. The answer we got? Here’s an excerpt of the staff biologist’s email response:

“…Our reporting is based upon bacteria levels only. The oil spill is not our jurisdiction and we do not monitor for oil on the beaches. The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating response efforts….”

Although the SFPUC coordinates the the Dept of Public Health and has updated their reports to reflect that there is an oilspill, we haven’t seen any public report on the actual water quality and any indications when it’s safe to get back in.

Currently, Kill the Spill doing some work on the testing situation. In the meantime, we urge you to contact your local representatives and demand answers**.

Also rally with your local surf groups AND non-profits focused on water quality, to come up with solutions. We know some are already working on the issue. Perhaps we need independent testing, along with official testing.

...............................................................................................

**note from phoenix:

KTS said that they would post a draft letter for the public to use to demand oil/water testing and e-mail addresses of where to send them. I have not seen this info as of yet. I will write them ASAP to see if they can send them to me.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

official clean-ups stopped, oil still on beaches!

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:28:35 GMT

Oil is still washing up on beaches, and officials are opening beaches and have discontinued future clean-ups and trainings. I'm writing Zuna Surf tomorrow to see if they are still holding grassroots clean-ups. For now, the people still volunteering are now cleaning up without proper safety gear and without proper oil collecting hair mats. ALL yellow bins that were placed on Ocean Beach for oil disposal have been removed, and now toxic bags must be called in (I'll try to get the # for that ASAP).

I will try to find a source for more hair mats, but I know they are expensive...

The city official for the Dept. of Fish and Game stated on Nov. 12th that official clean-up efforts would continue until the oil spill was cleaned up. I'm calling him tomorrow to ask why they have been stopped when there is still oil in many places.

Baykeeper.org is welcoming any documented photos of oil still washing up. They need your help to document oil sightings in your area so that we can get contractors and volunteers out to clean up every drop of oil. Please send photos with date, time, and place info.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

Monday - day 11 oil updates

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:42:29 GMT

Ocean Beach info, per Darin & Kathleen of Kill the Spill:

” I just checked OB [this morning, Monday] and there are signs saying the you should use the beach at your own risk. Between Noriega and Taraval there were THREE quarter sized oil spots! The surf looks good, overhead and glassy on the outside.” — Kathleen, Kill The Spill (KTS)

” Sunday: [I hiked]around OB checking different spots. Even though many of the beaches in the area have been opened, I’m not so sure that I would play fetch with my dog in the surf yet or enjoy some of the nice swell that is in town.

Areas Checked at OB Area:
-Kelly’s
-Fulton
-Judah
-Noriega
-Taraval
-Sloat (first lot & second lot)
-Ft. Funston

Conditions:
Still some small oil spots here and there (very few) about a quarter or dime sized along the water line. Check any plastic or trash you see, as the oil bonds to floating objects. Surfers are reporting they don’t notice the water being oily.

[Again, it’d] be helpful is to check different parts of the coast line and [have everybody] post your results to the blog or email your info in. We have plenty of certified resources to sweep through an area now.” - Darin Rosas, KTS

See also OB resident’s Sunday report in the comment section of the earlier Monday update.

Thank you all for your reports. Keep them coming in, so we can let the official agencies know where to deploy more resources.

PACIFICA:
Per Greg Cochran of Pedro Point Surf Club on Sunday:

”We have had small amounts of oil washing ashore on all of our beaches. The Pro Cleanup crew cleaned Linda Mar this AM [Sunday]. Very minimal amounts on all beaches. We will continue to clean as need be. Beaches will remain open, as long as we don’t get massive amounts. All indicators point to continued small amounts coming in with the High Tides. “
......................................................................

OCEAN BEACH: From OB resident, Ben Garcia:

“As per sunday at 10 am there was plenty of small oil blobs seen on ocean beach. i walked a small area between fulton and kirkham and in an hour or less had a fistful of oil.”

“There were no clean up crews, just ahandful of both gloved and ungloved volunteers that were hoping to find an organized effort. It seems there is still plenty of oil – the blobs are just a lot smaller and harder to spot.”

…………………………………………………….

MARIN:

Per D.Harrison on Sunday:

“I went by Cronkite today at about noon… Spoke with the Park Ranger and Park Police, word in that hood is that the O’Brien crew had been cleaning that AM (with no “need” for volunteers) and were supposed to be back and were 2 hours late… The park ranger called into dispatch for us and tried to get us cleaning access, but no luck; 1st no guide to “supervise”, 2nd no waste designation area… He than said that a small volunteer crew was at Baker cleaning, but I later found out that was mainly an O’brien/Ind. crew…

….Three Surfers in the water at Cron Sunday AM and a hiker on the coast saw a BIG Great White attacking a seal. [The shark was] finishing the job right in the breakers… so now Cron is closed to swimmers/surfers due to the shark…But again it looks as if that Marin is still seeing fresh deposits on the beaches, Cronkite is 1/2 way open and all water access is closed due to the shark. At least mother nature is helping us out, the waves by the way at OB today and at cron were BIG…
But there is still a lot of oil landing, half of Cron was open but both Ranger and Police agreed it was too early to open up access and there should be a lot of volunteers combing the water line and high water line… But there are not…

The word from both employees about Marin is “A big lack of thorough cohesive communication; both on a local and state level with the O’Brien/Indep. cleaners. Multiple agencies having big issues communicating…”

I will go by a couple of beaches in the AM (Muir/Tennessee Valley) but I hope to have word about Bolinas and Stinson tomorrow as well as the others, again if anybody has heard conflicting news, please let us know. I have heard that oil has even been found in RCA!”

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

BERKELEY - Volunteers needed

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:39:24 GMT

Matter of Trust is sending out more hair mats to Berkeley to get oil off the rocks. We also had word on Sunday that Berkeley needs more certified volunteers to help with the cleanup of various sites, to supplement the contractor crews’ efforts.

If you have your card, please call Deborah, City of Berkeley Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront 510-703-2825, to be deployed.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Hair mats available through Matter of Trust!

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:36:24 GMT

Since all official gear has been pulled from volunteers, here is a resource for those great hair mats that soak up oil like you wouldn't believe!

http://www.matteroftrust.org/

Here is a message from their front page:

Many beaches are being re-opened. But if you see oil call 415 398 9617 for the Cosco Busan Hotline

We have 10,000 more mats, courtesy of SF Surfrider donation. Who wants them to scrub oily rocks and pick up blobs? Contact us at lisa@matteroftrust.org 415 235 2403 cell

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Attn Marin & Ocean Beach residents: reports on conditions needed!

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:32:50 GMT

For those of you living near Ocean Beach and Marin, Zuna Surf (http://zunasurf.wordpress.com/) and their readers want to know about the conditions. Please write in, while their contacts gather more data. Pacifica’s Shelter Cove reported oil washing up on Saturday…

Our job is still not done, since we still expect to see oil residue washing up at anytime, anywhere. With your help, we can deploy resources where attention is needed, as Kill The Spill is working closely with government agencies.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

another group site addressing SF oil spill

phoenixfirestarter — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:19:42 GMT

it seems that official efforts to clean up the oil are fading... Here is another resource for future clean-ups, information, discussions, etc.

http://www.wiserearth.org/group/oilspillsf

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Unofficial clean-up info URLs:

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:33:38 GMT

Many unofficial cleanups are being organized here http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/ and here http://www.obviously.com/tech_tips/oil_spill_volunteer_instructions.html.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 2 replies

HAZMAT training in Marin this weekend!

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:19:33 GMT

They are working on scheduling another large-scale training in Marin over the weekend. Time, date, and location TBD. Keep posted for details.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 4 replies

HAZMAT trainings in SF & Berkeley this Saturday!

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:32:32 GMT

Participating in these trainings is the only way to legally help out with beach cleanups. Please attend! No pre-registration is required, but show up early because space is limited.

San Francisco
Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Saturday, November 17
County Fair Building
9th Ave. & Lincoln Ave. in Golden Gate Park
One training at 8am - 12pm
One training at 1pm - 5pm

The City of San Francisco will be leading daily cleanups for trained workers. Call 311 to find out where to go or visit http://www.sfgov.org/site/sf311_index.asp?id=70813.

Berkeley
Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Saturday, November 17
Berkeley Senior Center at 1900 Sixth St.
8am - 12pm

For cleanup schedules, visit www.cityofberkeley.info

For more info, visit smcalert.info

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

Document oil sightings in your area to help hold officials responsible!

phoenixfirestarter — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:03:43 GMT

Cleanup officials have begun to tell us that their efforts are working and that our shorelines are clean. Yet we still see goopy oil along the shorelines and in our water, and distressed wildlife throughout the Bay. The San Francisco Bay's open water habitats, intertidal mudflats, rocky shores, salt ponds, and marshes all form the iconic waterway that defines the character and community of the Bay Area. Baykeeper will not let the polluter off the hook when there is more work to be done. We need your help to document oil sightings in your area so that we can get contractors and volunteers out to clean up every drop of oil. Send accounts and photos of what you see this weekend (what, how much, where, and when) to volunteer@baykeeper.org. Areas that are hard to see from flyovers or motor boats are of particular importance.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

info, & volunteers needed for oiled birds in SF

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:43:30 GMT

Animal Care & Control in San Francisco has approved a process for us to help indicate the location of dead birds and at the same time make them less obvious to predators. Golden Gate Audubon volunteers should continue to perform the survey and call in information to if you find to 311 in San Francisco or (415) 701-2311 outside of San Francisco OWCN at (877) 823-6926. If a dead bird is found above the high tide line, please place a cardboard box over the bird with a rock on top to hold it in place. Please do not touch the bird. This will help ACC to quickly locate the birds when they come to the site.

Animal Care & Control asked if Golden Gate Audubon volunteers can assist with transporting oiled birds. We need volunteers with a car to pick up oiled birds in boxes from the Animal Care & Control at 1200 15th St, San Francisco and transport the birds to the Berkeley location at 200 University Avenue to set up by the OWCN. Please contact Noreen at 415-355-0450 or email Noreen@naturetrip.com or Eddie@naturetrip.com if you are interested in volunteering to transport the birds as we will schedule one trip in the morning and one trip in the afternoon. I will forward driving directions.

Thank you for surveying for oiled birds.

Noreen Weeden

415-355-0450

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

2 more fundraiser events in SF

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:39:00 GMT

Bimbo's 365
Visit our table to make a donation.
Jose Gonzalez & Friends
plus Cass McCombs
November 25
Doors at 7 pm. Show at 8 pm.
Tickets are $22 in advance / $25 at the door.
21 & over are welcome

California Culinary Academy
$20 dinner tickets benefit Baykeeper.
November 30
5pm - 8pm
The Grill at 625 Polk St.
RSVP to Chef Steven Moore at (650) 348-2071

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Half Moon Bay HAZMAT training Saturday 11/17

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:37:33 GMT

You must participate in an official training to legally help out with beach cleanups. No pre-registration is required, but show up early because space is limited.

Saturday, November 17
IDES Hall, 736 Main Street
One training at 8am - Noon and one at 1pm - 5pm

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Oil Spill Response Fundraiser Friday 11/16

phoenixfirestarter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:35:30 GMT

Doc's Clock
Proceeds from select beer sales and donations accepted.
Friday, November 16
6 pm - 2 am
2575 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Email volunteer@baykeeper.org if you want to sponsor a fundraiser!

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Clean ups Thursday, and this weekend

Tom — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:36:25 GMT

Steveo has taken the initiative to organize a cleanup tomorrow in the East Bay, details below, and thanks Phoenix for this great resource!!

*Action alert from Burners Without Borders*

In Brief:

Help clean the oil from San Francisco bay this week! Steve Ogden with BWB is putting together an oil spill clean up tomorrow in the East Bay. And plans are being hatched tonight to do one either Saturday or Sunday ( or both ) here in San Francisco this weekend. ( Times and locations announced on BWB announce list, and www.burnerswithoutborders.org )

Want to help? Then tomorrow, Thursday November 15th, at 2pm, join Steveo and friends near the Berkeley Marina, for a couple hours of clean up. http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/global-action/bay-area-bwb/berkeley-oil-spill-cleanup-thursday

Read the info below FIRST on safety and procedures, then contact Steveo directly at 415 816 3399. Steveo is also hoping to create a "how to clean up spilled oil" YouTube video, so if you know wildlife / hazardous materials experts, please get in touch with him at steveo@steveo.tv .

Want to organize a cleanup in your part of the Bay Area? Pick a time and place, email Tom Price price_tom@hotmail.com with all the details including your contact info, and he'll get the word out on the BWB homepage, and via the usual places. It will take a lot of efforts, large and small, to clean up this mess.

Background:

While thousands of people have been wanting to help clean up the spilled oil, the official response has either been "thanks, but we've got it," or "you need special training first," or "don't go, it's dangerous." Meanwhile, the oil continues to spread, and sink. It's actually a lot like the official responses to people wanting to help out after Hurricane Katrina, and like then it turns out most of the best help came from people outside official channels.

And with this oil spill it's becoming very clear that making a positive difference is something the average person can do, with a little common sense, and smart tools. Check out this story in this morning's SF Chronicle, about how a local activist is getting incredible results with mats made from hair. And how mushrooms are being added to the accumulated material, breaking it down organically. Quite a change from the official line of hazmatt suits and landfills, isn't it? From what we understand, this grassroots effort has even gotten the EPA to now start using these hairmats for cleanup.

We need to get out and join the hundreds of other bay area residents in cleaning up our San Francisco Bay.

Learn more on this great Tribe Phoenix created! http://tribes.tribe.net/sfoilspillactivists

Thanks for your interest, and before you head out to the beach, please READ THIS info about how to clean up the spill ( from an east bay activist, edited by Steveo:

Health Warnings:
• Bunker fuel, IFO 380 is a carcinogen and may cause skin irritation. Don’t touch it, eat it, smoke it, stick it in your ear, etc.
• If the breeze stops, or fumes become significant or cause any discomfort, you should probably leave.

Clothing Required:
• Gloves: Nitrile or rubber dish gloves. Double latex at least, plus spares.
• Ideal: a disposable painters suit and booties (it makes us look official at the very least)
• If no suit, disposable full length clothes. Shoes triple bagged in plastic, rubber banded above ankle.

Equipment Required:
• 18 plastic bags, 5 rubber bands.
• A one gallon plastic pot, which fits a bag with rubber band (one for a team of two is ideal)
• One kitty litter scoop ($1.29 at Safeway). Must have a flat edge blade. Laundry scoops and kids shovels work ok, but the kitty litter scoops let you shake out extra sand more easily. Go for the scoop with the smallest holes.
• One small flat stick.
• Paper towels.
• Caution tape and rebar
• Sign-in table and release forms

Where is the oil?
All over the East Bay shore. On the sand you'll see shiny black glops ranging from fist size on down. If people have stepped on the sand, these may be hard to see.

How is it done?:
Rock cleanup is for professionals. On the sand, tar drops can just be scooped up. If temperatures become warm enough to melt the tarballs, abandon efforts until they have resolidified.

Unless using small very heavy duty bags, double or triple bag it.

Section off a rectangle of beach area with caution tape, tideline to waters edge. This establishes a grid for groups to work side by side with efficiency. Teams of two, with a single bucket between will use less resources. The buckets will likely be come contaminated items.
Starting from hightide line, pick a clean area to stand, and clean a new one foot area in front of you with your scooper and stick. Shake gently to remove excess sand. The bucket helps to keep the bag edges clean -- with careful technique no oil should reach your gloves at any point. Your feet are a different matter -- you'll hit oil that's just below the sand.
Stay above the waterline, and keep dry and clean.

Is it legal?
The East Bay beaches are officially closed (and doubly so in Berkeley). But with no organized cleanup, it's time to act. When I have gone out Emeryville Police, Berkeley Fire Department and East Bay Park rangers have issued cautions, but declined to kick anyone who was well prepared out of the area.

Will I get all dirty?
Hope not. Do it right, and your gloves will stay perfectly clean. See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greentrain/sets/72157603100682545/

Warnings:
1) Unless there is a slight breeze, leave the beach due to fumes. 2) You will attract others who will step on the oil, just to see what you are doing. Encourage them to come back prepared. 3) Work in a grid: if you bounce around you'll push oil under the surface. 4) If you're working in a group, stick together, leaving enough beach for wildlife to approach if needed. Carry the oiled wildlife network number with you. 5) This stuff is amazingly heavy. Double bag, triple bag. Expect to get up to 10 pounds of oil per hour.

What do I do with the stuff?
There are giant specially lined dumpsters at the Berkeley Marina, near the Adventure Playground. Do NOT put it in a trash can. The stuff spreads like wildfire -- keep it clean, and pat any stray dots with sand. Should any part of your clothing become oiled it should be disposed of as hazardous household waste, NOT put in the trash.

What about wildlife?
Report oiled birds at 877-823-6926 and provide the location (be very specific), the species, number of birds seen, whether dead or alive, and percentage of oiling.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

SF Bay Oil Spill Maps

lena — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:20:50 GMT

San Francisco Bay Oil Spill November 7, 2007: From KCBS TV, shows slicks, beach closures, areas affected, and more
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=112961805835742092028.00043e6af3dcde9f2fc84&t=h&om=0&ll=37.785368,-122.437134&spn=0.189932,0.291824&z=11

Aftermath of the oil spill: From the San Francisco Chronicle, this lists oil slicks and other related information. Click on an item to view pictures from the area.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114962321823640491705.00043e75d7fb328f94e05&ll=37.828362,-122.454987&spn=0.116605,0.235863&z=13&om=1

Path of the Cosco Busan Hitting the Bay Bridge:
http://www.boatingsf.com/busan.php

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

get your local hair salon to donate hair clippings

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:49:33 GMT

If you’d like to get your LOCAL HAIR SALON to donate large batches hair clippings for the local production of mats coordinated with St Vincent De Paul Society, tell them to send or drop off clippings here (no individual donations, please):
Oil spill / Hair mats
DR3 - Matter of Trust.org
1960 Williams Street
San Leandro CA 94577

More later! This is great “green” use of natural & recycled approach for the SF OilSpill cleanup. Contracted cleaning crews are using Pigmats (paper-towel-like product with some sort of plastic backing) — made from petro products, until hair mats are more available. Yes, nice to see here that SF does, to bastardize Apple’s old slogan, “Think Different. Think Green.” — Matter of Trust, fyi, is a nonprofit founded by Lisa Gautier and her husband Patrice, who happens to run Apple’s iTunes unit.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 6 replies

Cleanup Training Tonight

Bobzilla — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:21:15 GMT

Trainings and Cleanups
Thanks to the pressure we've been putting on the cleanup agencies and to the grassroots cleanups of Kill the Spill (http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/), we're happy to announce a large-scale training opportunity tomorrow night in San Francisco. Participating in these trainings is the only way to be legally certified to help out with beach cleanups. We know it will make a huge impact in fighting the spill. Please attend!

Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Certification
Wednesday, November 14th
County Fair Building 9th & Lincoln in Golden Gate Park
6pm - 10pm

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

not HAZMAT certified? Still want to help?

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:46:05 GMT

I think that Zuna Surf (http://www.zunasurf.com/oilspill/) is still having grassroots clean-ups, although I have not heard of them as of late. They may be working now with official clean-up crews, I'm not sure).

I encourage all of you to participate in one of the HAZMAT trainings being offered throughout the Bay area. However, if you cannot make them or if you want to get out on the beach and clean up *now* most places are still allowing you to do so. You may be discouraged, but few citation threats have actually existed.

What to wear:
-Wear old clothes that you don't mind throwing away. You *will* get dirty!
-Dish washing gloves or heavy latex-type gloves are great
-This type of oil is nearly impossible to get out of leather
-Respirators are helpful against the smell. I am told that the vapor levers out there aren't really too harmful, but from they can give you a headache
-goggles could be helpful if you have sensitive eyes (there are vapors)
-make sure you take your oily shoes off before you go into your home! I walked at least ten blocks on my way home and still tracked oil onto my carpet!
-Tyvek outfits and booties are really the way to go! Dispose of them after each use (every day) because the oil slowly seeps through the Tyvek (but are good for up to at least 8 hours). These outfits are handed out for free to HAZMAT certified volunteers at the official clean-ups!

What to bring:
-Many people are scooping up the oil blobs with kitty litter scoops
-A trash bag (maybe fitted into a bucket if it is windy)
-something to mark bags as "oily"

**Dispose of all oily materials (oil globs, gloves, etc.) in your trash bag when you are done and leave it on the beach! Please find some way to mark the bag as "oily" or some other word that states that it contains oily materials so that the EPA (when picking them up) can tell what bags are full of hazardous materials and which ones just contain rubbish.

HEALTH RISKS
-skin contact: this is the main concern of officials. Do everything you can to keep it off your skin. If you do get it on your skin, it comes off with soap, warm water, and a little scrubbing. This oil contains petroleum distillates which may irritate sensitive skin after contact.
-vapors: This particular bunker oil contains trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide (a toxic gas). Since there is only trace amounts in the oil it is not extremely dangerous, but you should stay upwind of the vapors and wear a respirator if you want to. Eye irritation may occur from the vapors, so wear goggles if you'd like.
-DO NOT chew gum or eat candy while cleaning the oil. This can increase your exposure to the oil.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 4 replies

11/14 Ocean Beach clean-up for HAZMAT certified volunteers

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:17:48 GMT

Officials will be gathering at Ocean Beach tomorrow morning at 8am, and probably cleaning until 4:30pm (4:30pm is when the EPA wants people to start leaving the beach for safety reasons).

The exact location on Ocean Beach, unfortunately, has not been announced yet. They are trying to find locations that are hit the hardest, and this changes with the tides. I talked to some SFPUC workers today at the beach and they told me that they will know exact gathering locations by 7:30am every morning. I have direct numbers to two of these workers and I will be calling them in the morning and posting the locations here ASAP. Wherever they set up they will have a fairly large red tent, so you will probably be able to drive down the highway and easily spot them from a car as well.

The City of San Francisco will be also be leading cleanups for trained workers Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Locations and details will be announced as they become available.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

Half Moon Bay - Volunteer Training - Thurs 11/15, 5-9pm

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:09:41 GMT

Alert from Surfrider San Mateo Chapter, on the heels of the closures & cleanups of Ocean Beach and Pacifica.

Due to oil arriving on Pacifica Shores, this might continue to spread further south. For those who can help or be prepared for cleanup effort in San Mateo area, it is important that you must be trained from the authorities and not do it on your own.

The next Haz-Mat training (mandatory to join the cleanup) will be held in
Half Moon Bay on Thursday at the IDES hall, Main Street from 5-9pm. We have be advised that it is mandatory that we attend this 4-hour training session in order to be allowed onto and help clean up the beaches.

Trampling of the oil into the sand in a disorganized effort will push the oil balls deeper into the sand making it harder to clean up in the long run as more material will need to be removed.

If you would like to be prepared for getting alerts and to find out when and where trained volunteers will be needed FOR SAN MATEO COUNTY, go to:
http://smcalert.info

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Volunteer opportunity walking docks to educate boat operators

phoenixfirestarter — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:48:52 GMT

Baykeeper (http://www.sfbaykeeper.org/) needs volunteers later this week to walk docks all around the Bay to educate boat owners and marina operators how to handle contaminated boats. You can read about this on-the-ground outreach program in tomorrow's Baykeeper update. If you haven't already, email volunteer@baykeeper.org with your availability and which tasks you're interested in, and we'll get you scheduled to come in. Thanks to everyone who has already offered to help.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

KTS volunteer symptoms + Hazards of Bunker Fuel

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:53:50 GMT

** I have requested the Material Safety Data Sheet for the fuel oil spilled in the bay (trade name: IFO-380) from the Dept. of Fish & Game. They have not responded to me as of yet. If any of you can more easily get this information and post the info/pdf I would be grateful!**
-phoenix
______________________________________________________________________

From the web:

“Safer handling of bunker fuel on board (for ships carrying oil)Everyone on board should be fully aware of the fact that heavy fuel oil is carcinogenic and every contact with skin should be avoided. Oil resistant clothing and gloves should always be used in contact with the fuel.”

See Bunker Oil articles below based on our own research (thank B.O’rourke).
- LiquidMinerals article | Gronkemi article | Valero On Bunker Fuel | BP article

KILL THE SPILL VOLUNTEERS — FUMES, HEADACHES, etc.
A number of folks, from first-hand communication are experiencing headaches, sinus irritation, nausea and more. So, it probably best to not being exposed too long to the fumes. For some, symptoms have mostly cleared up after a day or two. So, in general, avoid direct contact with the oil. Others suggest masks, heavy gloves (not latex), goggles, sunglasses or other eye protection. Be careful of rogue waves that might splash you with oily water.

Zuna Surf Staff Members are researching the topic with experts and KTS has had conversations with local EPA folks, but we welcome more input.

Note, though, we’ve heard conflicting reports as to what kind of oil this is [bunker fuel C6??] and how dangerous it is for humans, pets, kids, etc. — fumes or direct contact with the oil. Much of it depends on exposure and type of contact, and more. If you have compromised immune systems, take bigger precautions!

posted in SF oil spill activists - 3 replies

11/13 8am-2pm clean-up for "official" volunteers

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:55:59 GMT

Tuesday Morning OB CLEANUP: EPA will be running a clean up, starting at Lincoln and moving south. They have a red tent set up near Lincoln. Volunteers with EPA certification are welcome to join. Tyvek suits and mats are slated to be supplied.

THIS WEEKEND: More EPA + Kill The Spill joint cleanups will be taking place. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, get your certification!

posted in SF oil spill activists - 3 replies

full info for Wed. Nov, 14th training

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:13:25 GMT

Next training session, open to public, hosted by the EPA: Wednesday night, 6-10, County Fair Building 9th & Lincoln in Golden Gate Park

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

Pacifica: On-Call Volunteers Needed - Sign Up!

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:50:30 GMT

Posted for Greg Cochran of Pedro Point Surf Club:I would like to get some volunteers for an oil spill clean up here in Pacifica “if needed.” We have been blessed to have had no oil so far, but that could change as the currents and tides change this week. We are working with the Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Pacifica Beach Coalition. I have been asked to come up with some names. Just in case, who is available? I will be there for sure!

PLEASE EMAIL Greg with this info to cochransurf “at” aol dot com

Name
Phone
E-mail

Aloha,
Greg Cochran | Questions, call 415 608-7599.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

NEW Official Oil Spill Contact Numbers as of 11.12.07

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:50:18 GMT

Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 by zunawahine

Per Kill the Spill: On Monday evening, 11/12/07 we were provided with these new phone numbers:

Request Hazardous Materials Pickup: 907-632-1006
- This is a contractor direct number for collected bags of oil residue. (except for Taraval & Rivera — this pile will go for myco-remediation treatment)

To report oil sightings in the bay: 415-398-9617 (updated 11.12.07)

To report oiled wildlife: 415-701-2311 (updated 11.12.o7)

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

DONATE PANTYHOSE!!

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:48:45 GMT

For local citizens, Matters of Trust can distribute pantyhose stockings full of loose hair clippings — sounds odd, but it works. If you’d like to donate pantyhose (used with small runs in them OK) to this address, so they and different volunteer groups can get these distributed to local citizens doing cleanup.

Matter of Trust, Inc.
c/o PantyHose donations
5813 Geary Boulevard # 111
San Francisco, CA 94121

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Bolinas/Marin needs help

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:48:13 GMT

Per Natalie Pepper: “Official” crews showed up yesterday to begin cleaning. While this was a welcome sight, there is still a lot of beach and reef to clean. The tide pools downtown, at Agate Beach, Jack’s Creek, Palomarin, and places in between are covered with oil. We found a lot of dead sand crabs, dungenous crabs, and fish on the beaches.

The oil is liquid, hard tar balls and goo globs. We got a few hair mats, but supplies are low. I’m posting several fliers around town about the Wed evening training tomorrow.

If you are interested in helping clean-up, the People’s Store will have info., or you can contact me (415.302.7712). “

Zuna Surf Update — As of 10:05am today, according to Matters of Trust, the EPA is ordering more mats from a large supplier, as the Dept of the Environment supplies for the grassroots volunteer effort are running low, except for what Kill the Spill has left and what the EPA is giving out in training. EPA shipments to arrive soon, though.

For now, Matters of Trust says someone is donating a special huge nylon sock for Bolinas that can use loose hair from its warehouse (often use to make mats locallly) and be used behind a boat to mop of the fine sheen of oil on the water and beach into globs, which can then be picked up by the hair mats. Stay tuned on that effort and how we’ll be organizing that for Ocean Beach.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

11/14 HAZMAT training update (location still TBD)

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:50:45 GMT

WED NOV 14 at 6pm.
Location TBD, but may be near Ft. Mason

Word is that there will be 8-trainers. Stay tuned for location info.

Also: The EPA has agreed to make trash removal and Ocean Beach signage both top priorities.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 2 replies

And thank you

Helena — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:00:46 GMT

Thank you, Phoenix, for putting all of this information together. I would really like to participate. I have spent many, many hours of my life in the Pacific ocean, from the time I was a very small girl. I will keep looking back for updates.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

Oil Spill Volunteer Update

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:22:22 GMT

Volunteer Opportunities
Oiled Wildlife Network in Fairfield has limited opportunities for volunteers for tasks such as cage cleaning and other general support of rehabilitation processes. Please call (800) 228-4544 to volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and in good health and are required to participate in training. They have collected 545 live and 369 dead birds as of Sunday evening.

Baykeeper needs general office help during daytime hours over the next two weeks to process and respond to volunteer inquiries. Tasks will include data entry, internet research, and returning phone calls. We also need volunteers later this week to walk docks all around the Bay to educate boat owners and marina operators on how to handle contaminated boats. Email volunteer@baykeeper.org with your availability and which tasks you're interested in, and we'll get you scheduled to come in.

Cleanups
Baykeeper is working on setting up another cleanup with EPA, but again they are only available for people who go through the 4-hour training session. Thanks to those of you who could make this morning's training. There likely will be one more training this week in time for a weekend cleanup.

After surveying the shorelines in Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin Counties today, it became pretty clear that rocky areas and marshes are going to be very difficult to clean up. Sandy areas are the easiest to clean. (Tarballs can be removed from sandy beaches with old towels and kitty litter scoops.) Some of the beaches seem like they've been gone over pretty well. We're working with the agencies to see where the public can help fill the gaps and make a dent in the cleanup. We'll get word to you as soon as we get final details on cleanups and trainings.

Just so you know, Baykeeper does not endorse unofficial oil spill cleanups. However, many are being organized and you can learn about them at Kill the Spill's blog at http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/. You should be aware that safety gear such as double Nitrile/rubber gloves, overshoes, and Tyvek suits can minimize exposure to bunker oil, which causes cancer and other long-term health problems. Children should not be exposed to bunker fuel at all. Anything that comes in contact with the fuel, including shoes and clothing, should be doubled bagged along with all other oily waste and taken to a hazardous waste facility. Do not wear oily clothes home! Do not put contaminated materials in the trash or compost!

Please continue to contact friends to sign up for volunteer alerts or to make a donation to support San Francisco Baykeeper’s efforts out on the water to respond to this crisis.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Kill The Spill blog

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:54:06 GMT

http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

next HAZMAT training Wednesday, Nov 14th!

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:50:27 GMT

I got certified with EPA HAZMAT training this morning (11/12) as a Disaster Service Worker Volunteer. They are having their next training on Wednesday evening (time & place TBD, but it will be in the Sunset). Please stay tuned for more info. There was also a training in Berkeley this morning.

The city official of the Dept. of Fish & Game ran the four hour HAZMAT training. About 200 people came and got certified. No one to my knowledge was turned away. Much of the training felt like an emergency town meeting. Many questions were asked and answered in a satisfying dialogue. You walk out with a color picture badge that allows you to be on the beach in an official manner. They stated that they will be holding official volunteer clean-ups every day until clean-up is finished (I hope they are planning on doing this for months then). They want to expand their volunteer base to other beaches as they are able to.

It seems that grassroots beach oil spill clean-up groups (like Zuna Surf) are still being allowed to run their own clean-ups for those that are interested in helping them out. I worked with them last Saturday and had a good experience with them.

The training was very informational. I had a chance to ask city officials some very important questions. I highly encourage you all to attend Wednesday's training. If you can't make it, I think that they will continue holding trainings through this clean-up. I'll keep you posted!

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

New contact information for reporting oiled birds

phoenixfirestarter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:35:29 GMT

NOTE: The following is some new info to report oiled birds. I talked with a woman this morning that called in an oiled bird the other day - she waited by the bird for over an hour, and ANIMAL CONTROL came to take the bird away, NOT OWCN. This is interesting... I do not think that animal control is trained in taking care of oiled birds. I will be writing OWCN tomorrow to inquire about this.

-phoenix
____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network number 877-823-6926 has been very difficult to get through. Instead now you can call 311 in San Francisco; or outside of San Francisco call 415-701-2311 to report oiled birds or mammals.

Also there is a fax number if you wish to fax in the completed reporting form. The form is posted on the Golden Gate Audubon website http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/ along with other updates.

Please email or mail the completed forms to Golden Gate Audubon.
Thank you for volunteering to check for and report oiled birds and mammals.

Noreen Weeden

415-355-0450

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

Oil Clean-up trainings for the public finally offered. Monday, Nov. 12 8-noon! More to come.

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:36:57 GMT

Berkeley Training
The Coast Guard and Department of Fish and Game have finally agreed to host a hazardous material cleanup training so we can mobilize folks to get out on the beaches and clean up the oil. We can send twenty of you to the training, which will be held Monday from 8-12 AM at the Berkeley Marina. Equipment and protective gear will be provided. Please email volunteer@baykeeper.org if you can make it and we'll send you the address and directions. Also include your phone number in case we need to reach you. If you don't hear back from us, it's because we've filled our spots and are busy working to get other training sessions set up. Thank you!

San Francisco Training
The Environmental Protection Agency will lead a training Monday morning from 8-12 AM in San Francisco. Meet at the United Irish Cultural Center at 2700 45th Avenue (Near Sloat Blvd and the Zoo). Free lunch and coffee provided by SF Connect. After the training, volunteers will be assigned teams and shuttled out to Ocean Beach to get to work cleaning up the spill!

Additional Updates
Baykeeper will be working to secure more training opportunities in the coming days and will alert you as more opportunities to get involved arise. We will be working together on this for a long time and are glad to have you as a partner.

In the meantime, if you are interested in cleanups in sensitive wildlife and habitat areas outside of the oil spill zone, please visit the City of San Francisco's website at http://www.sfgov.org/site/sf311_index.asp?id=70813.

Surfrider Foundation is conducting "unofficial" clean ups, which are advertized on their website at http://www.sfsurfrider.org/. As always, though, please be sure to use protective gloves and clothing to keep your skin from absorbing the toxic chemicals in the oil. It is also very important not to put oily materials in the regular trash. It must go to a hazardous waste facility to keep from contaminating the groundwater.

Oiled Wildlife Care Network are currently saying they have enough volunteers. Check for updates at http://www.owcn.org.

Please continue to contact friends to sign up for volunteer alerts or to make a donation to support San Francisco Baykeeper’s efforts out on the water to respond to this crisis.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 1 reply

oil clean-up blog

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:53:32 GMT

A friend of mine pointed this blog out to me today...

http://jameth.livejournal.com/

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

60,000 (updated #) gal. oil spill in SF Bay

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:47:54 GMT

Wednesday’s spill of bunker fuel from a South Korea-bound container ship is shaping up to be much more serious than early reports indicated and appears to be the worst ship-related spill in more than a decade. The Coast Guard estimates that over 58,000 gallons of fuel were spilled from the accident, up from their initial approximation of only 140 gallons. Only 8,000 gallons of fuel have been contained thus far.

San Francisco Baykeeper is investigating why initial reports underestimated the size of the spill and why the Coast Guard failed to immediately coordinate its response with the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the state agency charged with responding to oil spills. As a member of the OSPR Task Force, Baykeeper is watchdogging this issue closely through conversations with the Coast Guard and state agencies involved in the cleanup. We are pressing all agencies participating in the cleanup to work immediately to minimize impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health in response to this emergency.

Several area beaches including Baker Beach, China beach, Chrissy Field, Fort Point, and Kirby Cove have been closed. These beaches are in national parks, which are home to threatened and endangered species like the Western Snowy Plover, and the coastal waters off the mouth of the Golden Gate are national marine sanctuaries. Tarballs, a sticky petroleum emulsion, have already started to appear on local beaches. For your safety, avoid contact with fuel slicks in the water or tarballs in the sand. Wash any exposed areas with soap and mineral oil upon exposure. Initial reports suggest that the spill slick has reached Angel and Alcatraz Islands and all the way outside the Golden Gate at Point Bonita.

San Francisco Baykeeper members and Bay Area residents can get involved in the cleanup by looking for birds and animals that have been covered in oil. Spills coat birds’ feathers, making it difficult for them to stay warm and eat. In addition to being smothered by oil, aquatic organisms are also exposed to a range of toxic chemicals, including chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Long term survival rates for animals exposed to oil spills is shockingly low. As of Thursday morning, over a hundred oiled animals had already been reported. It is important that citizens do not go out with a towel or box to capture oiled animals, which could further injure the animal and subject people to hazardous materials present in fuel. If you find an injured bird, call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926.

Citizens may be called upon to help rehabilitate injured wildlife and clean up beach pollution after we know more about the spill’s impact. Let us know if you would like to get involved by emailing volunteer@baykeeper.org or make a donation to Baykeeper today, You may also help us document the impacts of the spill by sending us photographs.

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

URLs - first wave...

phoenixfirestarter — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:35:35 GMT

These are the websites that I have found with good information on how you can help pick up the oil:
http://www.zunasurf.com/oilspill/
http://zunasurf.wordpress.com/
http://www.zunasurf.com/oilspill/surfrider
http://www.sfsurfrider.org/

These websites are helpful too, and they are recruiting volunteers for other oil spill related projects including tracking down oiled wildlife.
http://www.baykeeper.org/
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/owcn/

posted in SF oil spill activists - 0 replies

SF oil spill activists's topics - tribe.net

Ship's pilot charged in SF Bay oil spill

Bay Oil Spill Videos on youtube

Major Oil Spill Report Released Today

Post Oil Spill Restoration Public Meetings

Help requested - Official Oil Spill Cleanup Nearing Completion

transport oiled birds to Cordelia

Marin town hall meeting *updated time* Sun., Dec. 16 10am-12 noon

Marin town hall meeting Sun., Dec. 16 2-4pm

volunteer opportinities in Marin (training/clean-up)

satellite images of spill (from Day 5)

Upcoming Oil Spill Fundraisers

Volunteer Beach Clean-up Thanksgiving Day

Alabaster Corp. Provides Bio-Remediation Services...

Bioremediation Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

ride for donated hairs to the mat making place: bezerkeley to hayward

Bio-Remediation... clean up petroleum with fungii

THE STATE OF WATER QUALITY TESTING:

official clean-ups stopped, oil still on beaches!

Monday - day 11 oil updates

BERKELEY - Volunteers needed

Hair mats available through Matter of Trust!

Attn Marin & Ocean Beach residents: reports on conditions needed!

another group site addressing SF oil spill

Unofficial clean-up info URLs:

HAZMAT training in Marin this weekend!

HAZMAT trainings in SF & Berkeley this Saturday!

Document oil sightings in your area to help hold officials responsible!

info, & volunteers needed for oiled birds in SF

2 more fundraiser events in SF

Half Moon Bay HAZMAT training Saturday 11/17

Oil Spill Response Fundraiser Friday 11/16

Clean ups Thursday, and this weekend

SF Bay Oil Spill Maps

get your local hair salon to donate hair clippings

Cleanup Training Tonight

not HAZMAT certified? Still want to help?

11/14 Ocean Beach clean-up for HAZMAT certified volunteers

Half Moon Bay - Volunteer Training - Thurs 11/15, 5-9pm

Volunteer opportunity walking docks to educate boat operators

KTS volunteer symptoms + Hazards of Bunker Fuel

11/13 8am-2pm clean-up for "official" volunteers

full info for Wed. Nov, 14th training

Pacifica: On-Call Volunteers Needed - Sign Up!

*NEW* Official Oil Spill Contact Numbers as of 11.12.07

DONATE PANTYHOSE!!

Bolinas/Marin needs help

11/14 HAZMAT training update (location still TBD)

And thank you

Oil Spill Volunteer Update

Kill The Spill blog

next HAZMAT training Wednesday, Nov 14th!

New contact information for reporting oiled birds

Oil Clean-up trainings for the public finally offered. Monday, Nov. 12 8-noon! More to come.

oil clean-up blog

60,000 (updated #) gal. oil spill in SF Bay

URLs - first wave...

Marin town hall meeting updated time Sun., Dec. 16 10am-12 noon

NEW Official Oil Spill Contact Numbers as of 11.12.07