Results are in for samples taken on 9-16-10 and 9-23-10. Although tarballs were again present on the beaches, no oil compounds were detected above 5ppm.
The 9-16 sample from Blue Mountain Beach was positive for Propylene glycol at 30.6mg/L. This is well over three times the reporting limit and considered a significant result. Propylene Glycol is one of the components of dispersants. The sample is being further evaluated to determine if other components of Corexit are also present and to help differentiate from other pollutants.
Unified Command reports that no dispersants have been used since July 15 and none ever in Florida. However, there have been other positive results for dispersant compounds now months later and in Florida (DEP had two positives for DOSS on 8-16 in both Escambia and Bay counties). Either dispersants are still being used, or the dispersants do not break down nearly as quickly as the government has claimed or both.
Surfrider continues to test when we have the funds available to do so. Please consider making a donation to help this service by clicking on the Donate button at the top right of our web page!
You can also help by continuing to report the presence of oil on our beaches. You may have noticed that most of the clean-up crews have been asked to leave Florida. If the tarballs are not reported, they will simply be left for you to enjoy for years to come. Don't let that happen to our beautiful beaches... make a report by calling: (800) 424-8802
