Latest News: Gulf Coast Oil Spill Impact for Alabama

from Gulf Shores:

• Effective July 30, the Alabama Department of Public Health has lifted the swimming advisory for gulf waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan based on improvements in water conditions. However, the department warns that there may still be sporadic oil on or near the beaches and discourages individuals from entering the water if there is visible oil present. Click here to read the press release published by the health department.
• We have been experiencing little to no oil impact on our beaches for the past two weeks. Beach cleaning machines continue to rake the beaches nightly. Our beaches are open, clean and swimming with caution is permitted.
• If double red flags are being flown at a beach area, it means the water is closed to swimming. This is different from a swim advisory, in which individuals are discouraged from swimming. In Gulf Shores it is illegal to swim when double red flags are in effect. Currently, double red flags are being flown in many beach areas as a result of strong surf and oil.
• Regardless of the color flag being flown, the Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a swimming advisory in gulf waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, and in bay waters immediately adjacent to Fort Morgan, in Bayou St. John, Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou and Old River. A swimming advisory means that individuals are discouraged from swimming in affected waters. To read advisory information and frequently asked questions, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website.
• The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources has changed the closure order for the following back bay areas to "Idle Speed Only, No Wake":  Alabama waters south of a line running from the southernmost tip of Bear Point to the eastern shore of the mouth of Ono Harbor. This includes Bayou St. John, Terry Cove, Terry Cover Harbor and all canals entering these waters. However, other areas remain closed to all recreational vessels and watercraft.
• The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources opened all state waters for recreational catch-and-release fishing only. This includes all gulf waters out to the three-mile state/federal line. Anglers are reminded to stay clear of booms and booming operations, all working vessels, and areas with visible oil and/or sheen. The pier at Gulf State Park is also reopened for catch-and-release fishing. For full information, click here.
• The City of Gulf Shores has temporarily waived parking fees at public beach areas. 
• The West 6th Street and Little Lagoon Pass public access and parking areas remain closed for an undetermined length of time. These areas are being used as work sites and staging areas for beach cleaning operations. The same is true for the parking area at Florida Point beach access. Several other public beach areas are being used as staging and operations areas even though they are not technically closed.
• If you have questions about conditions at a specific property location, please contact your rental management agent for accurate and up-to-date information.
• According to NOAA, tarballs DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up or bury them and asked to report any sightings. To report sightings of oil or tarballs on the beach, please call 866-448-5816. To report oil impacts to wildlife, contact 866-557-1401.
• Fishing of any kind is still prohibited in the closed area of federal waters, which currently includes an area from Louisiana to Panama City, Florida. To view a map of the closed area, go to http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/. 
• Skimming vessels are at at work in Perdido Pass. A more long-term system of piping that will funnel oil away from the pass into a collection area is underway and is expected to be complete soon.
  

Press Release - Alabama Begins Hurricane-style Claims Procedure
 

Important Numbers

BP issued phone numbers for the following response inquiries:

- Number to submit a claim for damages: 1-800-440-0858

- To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message. Messages will be checked hourly.

- To report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information, please call 1-866-448-5816. 

Important Websites

Track latest events associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. ADEM and other State and federal officials are engaged and prepared to respond should Alabama resources be impacted.

The unified command has established a Web site where photos, press releases and fact sheets are available at:

    * http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
    * http://response.restoration.noaa.gov
    * One-Stop Shop for Oil Spill Info: Maps, Trajectory, Etc.

Find specific news about Alabama here:

    * Alabama Governor's Oil Spill Info Page
    * Mobile County Oil Spill Information
    * Baldwin County Oil Spill Info Page
    * Gulf Shores Oil Spill Update Page
 

See detailed pictures of the spill's aftermath here.

Check out our FAQ here.