ILS to Assess BP Oil Spill Disaster 11 Jun 2010
The ILS Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT), located in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 4 facility in Athens, Georgia, continues to support EPA’s efforts to assess the impact of the BP Oil Spill, in the Gulf region of the United States. The Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT), an emergency response contractor, arrived in the coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi on April 28, seven days after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon platform and oil rig. ILS field scientists set up air monitoring stations to assess air quality and establish baseline conditions at pre-existing national monitoring sites. Presently, all five monitoring stations are continuously serviced primarily by ILS scientists and technicians. ILS/ESAT also provided critical long distance courier service to the laboratory for quick-turn-around results and reporting. ILS personnel exchange SUMA canisters and PUF cartridges daily, calibrate, set-up, and process the samples for shipment. Monitoring is currently conducted to identify hazards associated with volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. The ILS/ESAT Team Manager, Stephen Pilcher, states, “These field scientists have driven over 350 miles daily conducting air monitoring services and completing sample chain of custodies and transfers. They have continuously worked an average of 10 to 12 hours each day for as long as 41 days straight.” Sampling and analysis in the sea water, wetlands, and beaches are also being supported. Our analytical chemists in the laboratory provided sample preparation and analysis in shifts that required weekend work, late night and early morning support. Other ILS/ESAT staff continue to support the Gulf work through water and sediment toxicity testing. Data validation services will likely be requested in the coming weeks. In order to provide relief to the exhausted work crews, two new employees were hired. “ILS will continue to be as responsive as possible to assist EPA in meeting numerous technical support needs.” says Pilcher.