Oil Spill Volunteer Update

Volunteer Opportunities
Oiled Wildlife Network in Fairfield has limited opportunities for volunteers for tasks such as cage cleaning and other general support of rehabilitation processes. Please call (800) 228-4544 to volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and in good health and are required to participate in training. They have collected 545 live and 369 dead birds as of Sunday evening.

Baykeeper needs general office help during daytime hours over the next two weeks to process and respond to volunteer inquiries. Tasks will include data entry, internet research, and returning phone calls. We also need volunteers later this week to walk docks all around the Bay to educate boat owners and marina operators how to handle contaminated boats. Email volunteer@baykeeper.org with your availability and which tasks you're interested in, and we'll get you scheduled to come in.

Cleanups
Baykeeper is working on setting up another cleanup with EPA, but again they are only available for people who go through the 4-hour training session.  Thanks to those of you who could make this morning's training.  There likely will be one more training this week in time for a weekend clean up. 

After surveying the shorelines in Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin Counties today, it became pretty clear that rocky areas and marshes are going to be very difficult to clean up. Sandy areas are the easiest to clean.  (Tarballs can be removed from sandy beaches with old towels and kitty litter scoops.)  Some of the beaches seem like they've been gone over pretty well.  We're working with the agencies to see where the public can help fill the gaps and make a dent in the cleanup.  We'll get word to you as soon as we get final details on cleanups and trainings.

Just so you know, Baykeeper does not endorse unofficial oil spill cleanups.  However, many are being organized and you can learn about them at Kill the Spill's blog at http://sfoilspill.blogspot.com/.  You should be aware that safety gear such as double Nitrile/rubber gloves, overshoes, and Tyvek suits can minimize exposure to bunker oil, which causes cancer and other long-term health problems.  Children should not be exposed to bunker fuel at all.  Anything that comes in contact with the fuel, including shoes and clothing, should be doubled bagged along with all other oily waste and taken to a hazardous waste facility.  Do not wear oily clothes home!  Do not put contaminated materials in the trash or compost! 

Please continue to contact friends to sign up for volunteer alerts or to make a donation to support San Francisco Baykeeper’s efforts out on the water to respond to this crisis.