In an effort to be as prepared as possible to respond should the Galveston County coastline be impacted by the oil spill, representatives from several Galveston County departments, including Emergency Management, met with Capt. Marcus Woodring, Commander of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard Houston-Galveston and Richard Arnhart, Regional Director, Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Response to receive an update.  The Texas General Land Office and the United States Coast Guard work together as the lead responding state and federal agencies to any oil spills in the marine environment.  However, local officials and agency representatives will partner with the GLO and USCG if any of the Texas shores are threatened.

It was learned that the oil spill is approximately 160 miles from Sabine Pass and drifting very slowly.  Both the GLO and the USCG are conducing beach patrols via ground and aerial over-flights to keep a watchful eye on the Texas coast.  For more information about the State reponse, visit the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Response at www.glo.state.tx.us/oilspill/index.html.  For the most current information about the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, visit the response website at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.  NOAA is also providing information such as trajectory forecasting at their website, www.noaa.gov.

The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management will continue to closely monitor the situation.

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