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Spill Preparedness Activities in Texas

Following a week at Clean Gulf Conference in San Antonio, District 8 OR&R Scientific Support Coordinators (SSCs) LT Kyle Jellison and Dr. Paige Doelling headed back to Texas to participate in the Central Texas Coastal Area Committee (CTCAC) meeting, held at the Wildlife Center of Texas in Katy, Texas. CTCAC develops and manages the Area Contingency Plan addressing oil and hazmat spills in the coastal areas and navigable waters of Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, and Harris counties. Building on lessons learned during the Texas City Y spill, the communications committee has developed new templates to quickly communicate public health and seafood safety messages in the event of another spill. Some of these templates are based on communication products the SSCs helped develop during the spill. A highlight of the meeting was a tour of the Wildlife Center’s rehabilitation facility, including a quick chat with the resident hawk.

While in Texas, Paige and Kyle also taught an Aerial Observations class to Coast Guard members at Sector Houston-Galveston, and participated in an Executive Committee meeting for the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana Area Committee (SETSWLAC). The Aerial Observations course covers identification and reporting of oil slicks and sheens, an important component in managing spill response. The Executive Committee sets the priorities for the Area Committee and subcommittees. SETSWLAC is keenly engaged in preparing for increased transport of oil products due to the exploitation of various shale plays like the Bakken and Eagle Ford field, and securing top-notch training for response personnel in the area of responsibility.

For further information, contact Paige.Doelling@noaa.gov.

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Woman posing with a large hawk.
Dr. Paige Doelling at the Wildlife Center of Texas in Katy, Texas. (NOAA)
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:47pm PST