With the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico quickly becoming the worst oil disaster in the U.S. (set to surpass the Exxon Valdez spill), the EPA has set up a website providing breaking updates, photos and online resources for those living in the affected areas.
Lisa Jackson, the EPA's administrator stated:
"We are taking every possible step to protect the health of the residents and mitigate the environmental impacts of this spill. For several days, EPA has been on the ground evaluating air and water concerns and coordinating with other responding agencies. We are also here to address community members — the people who know these waters and wetlands best. They will be essential to the work ahead."
The website has a Q & A page about the EPA's current efforts, plus information on air quality and environmental concerns which will be constantly updated. The public can also submit questions to be answered by phone or e-mail or even report oiled or injured wildlife or oil on land sighted.
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 4, 2010.