County takes proactive approach to clean up and prevention and installs silt fencing and Geohay
Walton County has reported minimal impacts from a moderate amount of small tar balls around Topsail Hill State Preserve. Oil reported on the surface of the water remains nine miles off Walton County’s shoreline, but these initial impacts are due to tar balls that have moved from the spill site along the bottom of the gulf.
In an effort to respond quickly, Walton County quickly coordinated clean up efforts and began taking preventative action.
More than 2,000 ft of Green Type 4 belted silt retention fence was placed and lined with GeoHay to mitigate future impacts. GeoHay is made from 100 percent recycled synthetic fiber. This product acts as a filter and is highly absorbent, as well as non-biodegradable, strong, and durable.
Crews worked throughout the night June 17 to protect the shoreline and clean up efforts will continued into the morning. These measures are being applied as necessary and the beaches remain open for enjoyment.
Off shore, preventative measures are underway including the use of alternative methods of oil removal such as geo-fiber, which has a strong absorption quality to quickly remove oil off the surface of the water.
County officials are working closely with DEP and the Health Department to monitor water quality and will keep beachgoers informed of conditions. For more information contact the Walton County Health Department at 850-892-8015 or visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/health.htm.
For regular updates on the status of conditions visit www.waltonso.org or www.bswupdate.com. To report tar or oil on any of Walton County’s 26 miles of beaches, call 850-267-2000 and 1-866-448-5816.
ed berry
June 18, 2010Our Sheriff deserves a huge applause and our show of support. He is displaying a huge amount of courage in attempting these measures. He and his staff are a huge asset to our community. Thank you Sheriff for a job well done.
Donna DonFrancesco
June 19, 2010Congratulations Walton County Officials!! You didn’t create this disaster but you are the first team that appears to be taking a proactive rather than reactive approach and we sincerely thank you for it:)
David Wilson
June 23, 2010Only local responce will over come this disaster. Only common sense will keep our shores and dune lakes safe. It would be nice if we could hire local people to do the clean up. Most of the contractors I see have TX and LA plates on their trucks.