July 20, 2010
Dear PURRE Members,
PURRE Executive Director Emilie Alfino and I met with Sanibel City Manager Judie Zimomra Friday afternoon, July 16, to discuss what contingency plans the city has in place in the unlikely event that oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster should reach our beaches, bays and estuaries.
We are satisfied that the city is well prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its precious environment. Contintency plans are in place for both prevention and clean-up.
Because the nature of the disaster and the many variables that affect it – including weather, technology, and the involvement of and coordination with all other levels of government – the city understandably is not making all possible scenarios public. However, we at PURRE are more than satisfied that the city is taking a proactive role and that the waters surrounding Sanibel will be well cared for. Contractors are on board and can be ready on short notice, reserves are available, and the city manager daily takes part in conference calls with the highest level executives at the responsible federal, state and county agencies – seven days a week, holidays included. Sanibel is standing by and ready to go.
We thank the city manager for taking the time to meet with us and answer questions on behalf of our members. If anyone would like to sign up as a volunteer for Sanibel’s Coastal Watch, go to http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/City-Manager-s-Office/News/Sanibel-s-Major-Michael-F.-Murray-to-Head-Community-s-Volunteer-Coastal-Watch-Sign-Up-Now-for-Training-and-Assignments and complete the form online. You may never be needed, but if you are … nothing will be more important.
Your chairman,
Michael J. Valiquette
