Spill Update

“248-P2”

For Immediate Release                        

Contact:  Joint Information Center, 206-546-7162

January 1, 2004

12:00 p.m. Release # 7

News Media Advisory

Media Tour of Cleanup activities on Impacted Shoreline at Doe-kag-wats (near Indianola).

TIME: 2:30 p.m.

DATE: Today, January 1, 2004

FOCUS:

More than 60 workers will be conducting oil cleanup operations along the approximately two- mile stretch of shoreline from Point Jefferson to Indianola. The Doe-kag-wats estuary is the location of the most concentrated activity. Environmental experts from the Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, The Suquamish Tribe, International Bird Rescue and Research Center and Foss Maritime Company will be on hand to answer questions about the shoreline cleanup, bird and wildlife rescue efforts and other aspects of the response including the most overflight information.

PARTICPANTS:

Paul O’Brien, Dick Logan, Dick Walker; Dept. of Ecology

Leonard Forsman; Suquamish Tribe

Rob Purser, Director, Fisheries Department; Suquamish Tribe

Joe Langjahr; Foss Maritime Company

PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

Drive to the Methodist Church parking lot (near Indianola). Before going to the cleanup area, visitors must meet with a tribal representative and a safety officer.  Visitors will receive a safety briefing and some items of safety clothing to prevent skin irritation and the spread of oil.  On leaving, visitors must check out with the safety officer.

DIRECTIONS:

From Seattle:  Take the Bainbridge Island ferry from Coleman Dock.  From Bainbridge Island head north on Hwy 305.  Turn Right on Suquamish Way (just past Agate Pass Bridge).  Continue on Suquamish Way (becomes Miller Bay Road NE) through town of Suquamish.  Turn right on Indianola Road NE.  Continue on Indianola Road (becomes NE Dock Street).  Turn left on NE Shore Dr.

From Edmonds: Take the Kingston ferry.  From Kingston take Hwy 104 west.  Turn left on Miller Bay Road NE.  Continue on Miller Bay Road NE.  Turn left on Indianola Road NE.  Continue on Indianola Road (becomes NE Dock Street).  Turn left on NE Shore Dr.

Information numbers:

Injured wildlife reporting line: 1-800-22BIRDS (222-4737)

News Media Only: 206-546-7162

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