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General Information
Congressional Action
Resources & Links
Contact Information
Claims
Volunteering
On Tuesday, April 20, 2010 an offshore oil drilling platform, Deepwater Horizon, exploded in the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana. The rig, owned by Transocean Ltd, was under contract to BP. Submerged at the bottom of the Gulf, the rig continues to discharge up to 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day. BP, the United States Coast Guard and the Minerals Management Service are the lead response agencies on the oil spill.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been designated the lead state agency for responding to potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill along Florida’s shoreline. The website will serve as the primary location for updates and information on response actions and impacts to the State of Florida.
Governor Charlie Crist confirmed the announcement by Doug Suttles, CEO of BP, that the State of Florida will receive a $25-million block grant for the initial state and local preparation and response costs for the Deepwater Horizon Response oil spill.
DEP spill response webpage: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm
For Central Floridians looking for additional information, the Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. The number for residents to call is: 800-342-3557
Florida residents and visitors are encouraged to report evidence of oil along the state’s shores by calling the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335), or by dialing #DEP from a cell phone. More information can be found at http://www.floridadisaster.org .
Brevard County residents with information on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are encouraged to call “211” to volunteer to be a CoastWatch monitor; report oil sheen, tar balls, or other oil products; or report oily birds or wildlife. For more information, click here .
CONGRESSIONAL ACTION
I am working to make sure that the parties responsible are held accountable for the economic damages which is why I joined my House colleagues in introducing the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act. The legislation would increase the cap on oil company liability to $10 billion from $75 million, ensuring that taxpayers are protected from paying oil spill damages.
Click here to read more.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Contact Information
- To report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.
- To report oiled shoreline, call 1-866-448-5816.
- To report spill-related damage, call 1-800-440-0858.
- To file a claim, call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here.
Claims
If any of Central Florida’s East Coast counties are declared disaster areas, residents and businesses may be eligible to claim damages. To prepare:
- Make sure you are able to document any loss or damage you may sustain. Now is the time to get photos of boats, docks, waterline and shores.
- If your loss pertains to your business, make sure you have up to date documentation on your business and how you use the assets at risk. For example, if your beachfront home is a rental, be prepared to prove that you use it as such. If your boat is used for commercial fishing, you must be able to demonstrate that it is your business.
- For loss of income or profit, be prepared to document amount of time the business is not operational and relevant financial records including relevant profit and loss statements and tax returns.
- BP has established an Online Claim Form as well as a Claims Line for oil spill-related claims in counties that have been declared disaster areas. The toll-free number for the claims line is 1-800-440-0858. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Information on claims for property damage: http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/Claims/damages_property.asp
Info on all types of claims: http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/Claims/default.asp
Oil spill response funding for agencies: http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/Response/default.asp
Volunteering
The Deepwater Horizon Response Center has set up several lines:
- To submit alternative response technology, services or products, call 281-366-5511
- To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, call 281-366-5511
- To volunteer, call 1-866-448-5816 or find a state specific volunteer opportunity:
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