Frantic rush to stop out of control Gulf Gush as busy hurricane season looms,
Eastern Seaboard awaits it’s fate
By MLBaron / WIWS
Mike Gagne, a life long resident of North Fairhaven is a technician for the famed Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute based in Falmouth, MA. says WHOI is on scene for research purposes and not directly involved with the clean-up operations.
“There’s more on the way. The Oceanus had a maintenance period (many things that had to be done...) is heading down, and the others (ships) are working in different parts of the globe.”
“We are all collaborating our thoughts to try and stop this terrible mess. Working down there the smell is horrific- it's like working 24-7 tarring a road. Even our seasoned sailors are getting nauseous from the smell...” Gagne said.
Many in the health community at and near the spill scenes are concerned about the health hazards and ramifications of the noxious methane fumes from the oil exacerbated by the high heat index exceeding 106 degrees at times. Cleanup crews are being exposed to the extent that some hospitals are setting up decontamination tents outside their facilities for the anticipated high volume of patients.
Many are saying this is an environmental armageddon that has yet to fully unfold., especially with a looming hurricane season that is expected to be very active. Experts warn that The Gulf Stream will eventually make it's turn-around the peninsula of Florida making a trek up the Eastern seaboard including the Northeast coast. The extent and magnitude of that scenario is unknown.
Judging by the cleanup of The Exxon Valdez 1989 oil spill, it is estimated that for every day the Gulf gush continues add an additional 6 months for clean-up. Currently at 30 years and counting.
Look what a meager (in comparison) 100,000 gal spill did to West Island in 2003 - a Dixie cup spill compared to an Olympic size pool spill in the Gulf that's getting larger everyday: http://www.westislandweather.com/oilspill2003.htm
