BP Rep Speaks About Oil Spill At Keys Meeting

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The public was invited to the meeting in Key Largo where county commissioners met with experts from various agencies to discuss plans to protect the Florida Keys from the oil that has been leaking into the Gulf of Mexico for the last few weeks. 

“I don’t know what they’re going to do. That’s why we’re having the meeting today, so everybody can speak up,” said Monroe County Mayor Sylvia Murphy. 

Although millions of gallons of oil have poured into the Gulf, none has made it to Monroe County yet. But that could change if the wind changes direction, so Murphy is tapping into local resources to devise a plan. 

“All of the alphabet soups you can name are here — Fish and Wildlife, South Florida Water Management District, the Coast Guard commander, representatives from British Petroleum, Department of Environmental Protection, our own emergency manager, the emergency manager from Key West,” Murphy said. 

Officials said they believe there is a good chance the oil will not make it to the Keys, but if it does, it could devastate the coral reefs and the economy. BP representatives said the company would do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening and to clean it up if it does. 

BP representative Keith Seilhan said that if the oil does come toward the Keys, it will most likely come in the form of tar balls. 

“It’s oil that has been exposed to the weather, both the sun, the wind, as well as the physical movement of the ocean,” Seilhan said. 

Seilhan is the first BP representative to make it to the Florida Keys since the oil spill. He said booms may do more harm than they are worth in the Keys because tar balls do not float. 

“What we’re trying to do now is work with different groups to identify other technologies that may impede the movement of tar balls,” Seilhan said. 

Representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard said their plan remains fluid. 

“We will not let our guard down on this, no matter how long it lasts,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Pat DeQuatro. 

With no visible solution in place, Keys residents remain uneasy. 

Tourism has already taken a hit. The coral reefs are vulnerable, and community members said they feel helpless. Residents want answers and solutions, specifically from BP. 

“Anything that’s impacted will be restored,” Seilhan said. 

The mayor said she wants to make a solid plan for the oil slick response before it gets anywhere near the Keys. She stressed preparation, but warned against overreaction. 

“Tourism is our main industry, thank you very much. But there’s nothing wrong with the Florida Keys at this moment,” Murphy said. 

The public was not allowed to speak at the meeting, and the commission did not cast a vote. The meeting served as an event where the experts could discuss their opinions and make decisions for a response plan.