Gulf Coast Oil Spill Resources

The NC Conservation Network has been doing our homework on the effects the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will have on North Carolina. We are constantly communicating with our affiliate organizations on the coast about this issue and will post updates as we get them.

In the meantime, check out the below for 1) likelihood that the spill will reach NC; 2) informational resources; and 3) volunteer opportunities.

Will the spill reach NC?:

Experts are still unsure if the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will reach the NC coast. Though, the current thinking is that if it does it will likely hit in late summer or fall as tar balls.  

For an interview with Larry Cahoon, UNCW professor on the impacts the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will have on NC, click here.


Informational resources:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration factsheet, “Hurricanes and the Oil Spill”.
  • The State's go to page on the Oil Spill response. Responsibility for the plan falls on the NC Department of Crime Control & Public Safety. 
  • Here's a factsheet (PDF) with some helpful info on the state’s response.
  • NC Department of Environment and Natural Resource's webpage.
  • NC Sea Grant's (includes info from universities) webpage. 

 

Helpful articles:
N.C. is prepared if oil washes ashore, News & Observer, 06/28/10


Volunteer Opportunities:

From our affiliates:
NC Coastal Federation
Audubon (through Audubon NC)
Environmental Defense Fund (through EDF's NC office)


Legislative Action:

Here's an update and some good news about S836, which would be a sensible state response to the Gulf oil disaster.

We're happy to report that the General Assembly passed S836 ("Oil Spill Liability, Response, & Preparedness") last Thursday - just 36 hours before ending the 2010 legislative session! 

This legislation is a big win for North Carolina. It will ensure that oil companies are fully liable for damage to our state from offshore oil spills and will strengthen state law to prevent an offshore drilling catastrophe off our coast.


Other ideas:

  • Organize a beach sweep.
  • Donate to your local coastal organization.