BigBendFishing.Net

CrispyFishin wrote:Scoop, is the relief well a guaranteed solution? Could they punch down there and miss? It seems like everyone concerned has staked everything on the relief well as the final solution.

I will certainly offer up a toast when it is online and working as advertised.

CrispyFishin wrote:

Hey CF: The relief well should be a guaranteed solution when it's set up. Could they punch and miss, yes they can. But they will just back out and try again, it will take some time to get it right, but it is the answer. They are running two drilling rigs so that if one has a problem they can turn to the other one. Their progress is on track and barring no major interruptions they should be in place in the August timeframe, until that time, we will continue to see oil come out of the top hat.

Well, I got back to C'ville this afternoon and the first thing I did was buy a Wakulla News. I was glad to see that it was not full of misinformation and negative press concerning the oil spill . There was an editorial by Jack Rudloe, the owner of Gulf Specimen Lab down in Panacea. Here is what he wrote in his closing paragraph: "Meanwhile, our beaches will turn black with tarballs, birds will die, fish will perish, politicians will dither, humans who depend on seafood and tourism will go broke, BP will continue to try and plug the well, oil will spew into the Gulf laced with toxic detergents, but in the end the shrimp will survive". Thanks Jack for that inspiring statement, Any wonder why "humans who depend on seafood and tourism will go broke".... Think it has anything to do with such statements? I also see that Jack was quoted in an article on TDO.com talking about how his Specimen Lab is in danger due to the oil spill and that he asked BP for nearly a half million dollars. WOW, we haven't even smelled the oil over here yet............ Maybe the Specimen Lab will open up a farmyard, it appears that somebody is looking to grab ahold of a perceived Cash Cow. We are in the planning/preparation stages in our coastal counties. Furthermore, I must ask this question to Jack and others: What have the water samples shown thus far, really, what have they shown? Normal, normal, normal, nothing really elevated. We did have some of the folks in one of our neighboring States go up in arms over some parts per billion ranges of "diesel/gas range organics" in some water samples collected the weekend before last. Here's what they failed to realize until it was explained to them: First, the levels present were several magnitudes less than what drinking water standards are (let's not forget we don't drink saltwater) and Secondly, nobody took in account the fact that the "spike" observed occurred during sampling taken during the Memorial Day weekend (when there were a lot more boats out on the water). When asked if there was any background data concerning these locations during such peak use times, the answer was no. Unfortunately, we are really quick to react due to our heightened sense of anxiety. That's why I am asking folks to really think things through when they hear or read something.

We owe it to ourselves and to the businesses that help make our community strong to focus on all the facts at a given moment. The fact of the matter as it stands now is the oil has not hit our area and we are in a planning/preparation mode. In the areas in which it has hit, we have not seen "toxic detergents and toxic oils" in the water columns, nor have we had clouds of toxic fumes filling the air. As it stands now, we are looking good in our area, we need to get that message out. Of concern to me is the possibility that they may close more of the Federal Waters. There is really nothing we can do about that given the guidelines they are using to determine the need for closure. Let's hope we start getting some more North winds..............

Here are three things I have heard since I got back this afternoon (I'm serious, two were while I was at the grocery store):

1. "I cancelled my reservation to Pensacola Beach over Memorial Day weekend because I was worried about having to deal with oil on the beach and smelling chemicals in the air". Man I wish I had a chance to talk to that person before they did that. I sure hope the ramping up of protective boom in our area won't lead to the same results.

2. "My step-daddy said Obama caused the oil spill to help make the case against off-shore drilling". I'm not even going there. O.K. I will: If the Republicans were in office folks would say that they were protecting "big oil" by having a slow federal response. Since the Democrats are in office, they are saying the federal government is not responding fast enough so the oil spill will get out of hand and hurt chances for off-shore drilling. So, I guess it's a no win situation for either party.

3. "They are going to put a million gallons of Dawn detergent in the Gulf". I guess it's time to buy stock in Dawn.... Dispersants, like Dawn, do break down oil into smaller forms which ends up in the water column. It's not Dawn that is being used.


In closing this evening I would like to remind ya'll of a few things:
1.We will have oil continue to leak into the Gulf until the relief wells are completed.
2.It will take a considerable amount of time after the oil stops flowing before we can determine the full extent of damage. 3.Although some folks may find my insights to be somewhat optimistic, I think you will find that I am just pointing out the facts, nothing more, nothing less. Also, please remember the area I am knowledgeable about does not include La. westward.
4. You should not be paying to be "trained" to work on this response, those being hired are being trained at the expense of BP.
5. Be weary of those asking for money in regards to the response. BP is on the hook to pay, plain and simple. If certain groups are asking that you provide them money so that they can respond, be cautious. Once again, BP is on the hook and they have been providing the funds necessary to ensure all facets of the operations move forward. Yes there have been some hiccups concerning payment to boat owners, etc., but I honestly believe those are growing pains. I know they have just brought in a slew of support to help with this issue.
6. Although this should be the #1 thing you should remember, All you really have to do is get to Heaven, really, it's that simple....................


Let's hope we can get ahead of the misinformation being floated out there, although I think that train has left the station....

wjmax64 wrote:Forgive me, I'm just thinking out loud here, if all off-shore drilling companies had been required to drill two wells to begin with we wouldn't be in the current mess. There would have been a relief well sitting there back in April. I realize it would double the cost but, BP only made $93 billion in PROFITS last year..........heck I don't even know how they can keep the lights on at the corporate offices with that pitiful profit margin. Maybe one day soon there will be some politicians to actually do the right thing for the nation instead of their personal benefit......I doubt it but it doesn't hurt to dream. We are all in this together though & I do prefer riding to work in my truck instead of having to saddle my horse every morning & afternoon......I guess I am part of the problem too.Sorry, I don't want to high jack the thread........again just thinking out loud