Nov 23, 2007 6:40 pm US/Eastern
Miles Of Gorgeous Beach Tainted With Oil On L.I.
Cleanup Crews Estimate 500 Gallons Washed Up Near Jones Beach
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The rush is on to save Long Island beaches threatened by a large oil spill. More than 70 people are working to clean up the thick, smelly mess.
Cleanup crews estimate a total of 500 gallons washed up on a two and-a-half mile section of Long Beach near Jones Beach, N.Y., as multiple agencies began cleanup operations at 7 a.m. Friday.
Globs of congealed oil littered the pristine shoreline from Atlantic Beach to Long Beach, and for environmental workers it was a race against time.
"Right now the cold weather is helping us because it turns it into a more solid form, easier to pick up and tides are helping too," said Bill Fonda, of the DEP.
Locals are demanding to know what ship is responsible for the spill of at least 500 gallons of #6 crude oil – a heavy and unrefined oil that was possibly stored in a passing cargo tanker. Some ten vessels moved through this area Thanksgiving Day.
Atlantic Beach resident Roy Kramer said he hopes "they can do DNA on this oil to see where it came from."
As bitter winds blew, village volunteers, and 50 professionals with shovels and mesh scoups transferred the contaminents into hundreds of black bags.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Annie Berlin advised people who live nearby to stay off the beach, to "give the crews time and space to work, to get the cleanup done safely."
Surfers and para-sailors in wet suits were the ones who first discovered the oil balls, Carl and Rebecca Baessler's concern is now for endangered species.
"I'm just more worried about the piping plovers and herons," Rebecca Baessler told CBS 2 HD. Added Carl Baessler, "I just hope the fish and wildlife aren't long-term disturbed by it."
As they search for the source of the pollution, experts here say, the initial impact on wildlife has been minimal.
If needed, Coast Guard crews are ready to deploy oil containment booms in nearby inlets.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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