Like many other businesses, Heal the Ocean has adjusted our operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including working remotely and shifting many meetings and proceedings in our calendars. Our work goes forward unabated, well-funded and strong. It is not lost on us that the Ocean has been called the "lungs of the Earth," as it generates most of the oxygen we breathe. We salute the heroic medical workers all over the world, helping people to breathe and saving as many lives as they can. Heal the Ocean continues to do what we can in our part of the world to help the Ocean heal - to breathe and sustain life. Our news here outlines how we're moving forward on some important projects.

SUMMERLAND OIL CLEANUP MOVES FORWARD

Photo & Graphic showing targeted oil wellhead locations by Harry Rabin/ On the Wave Productions

The next steps for tackling the mess of oil leaking onto Summerland beach are moving forward, with barge and contractors set to arrive here in June/July 2020 – three months from now. During the past chaotic months Heal the Ocean has maintained steady communication with State Lands Commission (SLC) officials to ensure the next group of leaking wells is on schedule for remediation.’

State Lands is scheduling the work to straddle two State budget cycles, one ending in June, the other beginning July, so that there is enough money to tackle more than one well. SB 44, Hannah-Beth Jackson’s “Coastal Hazards and Legacy Oil and Gas Well Removal and Remediation Program," allots $2 million per year for coastal cleanup of abandoned wells and hazardous infrastructure, and these monies can't be carried over from one budget cycle to another. It’s a “use it or lose it” policy.

Therefore, the work in Summerland will go on no matter what. The Request for Quote (RFQ) will be posted any day now by SLC, inviting contractors to bid for the June/July oil capping work, The RFQ is for up to 6 wells, with three targeted as priorities for the current budget cycle(s).

The A-list includes four wells: “North Star” (sometimes referred to as the “Ramp”), "Duquesne #910,” “Ohlssen #805” – and the notorious Treadwell #10 offshore well. According to HTO Advisory Board member Harry Rabin, whose On the Wave Productions Company has given a technological boost to the InterAct engineers in accurately pinpointing offending wellheads, the beach gushers North Star and Duquesne should definitely be tackled, and our hope is that there is enough funding to go after at least one other - Treadwell or Ohlssen. Heal the Ocean is immensely grateful for the amazing financial help of Manitou Fund, not only for the ability to pay for Harry Rabin's expertise that has been helping keep the project on track but also the great cheerleading of Manitou Fund's Nora McNeely Hurley & Michael Hurley, who are there in Summerland cheering these projects along, every step of the way!

Look for the Danny C Oil Boat to arrive off Summerland Beach in June! Photo by Harry Rabin.

MARBORG/HTO STYROFOAM PROGRAM SHIFTS WITH CURRENT EVENTS, BUT IS STILL ON

The social distancing required by COVID-19 has temporarily closed public drop-off facilities for recycles at MarBorg Industries. However, Heal the Ocean has been reassured by Brian Borgatello, manager of MarBorg’s Recycling Division, that Styrofoam can still be taken to MarBorg’s facility at 20 David Love Place in Goleta. The only difference is that one won’t get help from MarBorg employees due to social distancing regulations.

To make very clear to the public where the Styrofoam goes at the David Love facility, Heal the Ocean has made a big 4’x4’ sign that will be on the Styrofoam bin, to direct recyclers to the right place for drop-off. We appreciate everyone paying attention to the proper recycling protocol!

HAVING TROUBLE WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION? CLEAN A BEACH! (Or a Path, a Trail, or your Neighborhood Sidewalk)

For many people, the long stretches of social isolation and self-distancing from others can be difficult. However, public health officials recommend that everyone get some fresh air and exercise – as long as we pay attention to the 6-foot rule of staying apart, and not bunching up into groups (this is crucial to stamping out the COVID-19 virus!)

One activity many people tell us they get pleasure from (and more vigorous exercise) is to tackle the business of picking up trash along their walks, whether beach or trail or sidewalk. So even in self-quarantine, you can be doing something valuable. Be sure to take along a big bag for what you might pick up and most of all be sure to wear sturdy garden gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.

The Ocean will thank you.

And so will we.

Gratefully,

From all of us at Heal the Ocean