Upham Bch Cleanup; Blind Pass, FL

Blind Pass, FL | 2000-Jan-28

Initial Notification: A meeting was held at MSO Tampa on Friday, 28 January, 2000 to discuss concerns and options related to the continued dredge operations in Blind Pass where oil from the 1993 Tampa Bay spill had been discovered. In attendance were representatives from the USCG, NOAA Hazmat, Florida DEP, USFWS, NOAA protected Species, NOAA NMFS, The COE, Pinellis County, and FMRI. Based on the discussions at this meeting, the following IAP was drafted to provide for background information, operational plans, monitoring, and contingencies. Due to uncertanties involved with this operations, the process will be monitored and evaluated closely to determine the need for modifications to the current plan. Contracted divers will be on-scene 31 January to begin additional assessment of the Pass and removal of oil in known areas prior to dredging. Dredging in Blind Pass is anticipated to begin on or shortly after Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000. Initial dredging will occur at the outer portion of the Pass where no oil has been found to date. USCG district 7.