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Situation Update 02/18-19/94

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS BASED ON THE MOST CURRENT DATA PROVIDED TO NOAA. 

SSC Evening Report Friday and Saturday, 18 and 19 February, 1994 

SITUATION UPDATE/ACTIVITIES TODAY (Friday/Saturday, 18/19 FEB 94):
A staff briefing report was prepared by NOAA HAZMAT for the FOSC.  This report
was originally intended for a staff briefing with the USCGD7 commander.  The
report gives an overview of the major current issues related to the history,
current situation and future plans of the Morris J. Berman response.  Although
this briefing did not place due to a change in the Admiral's plans the report
was distributed. A meeting was held with USCG, NOAA HAZMAT, PR DNR, PR EQB,
Department of Health, USFWS, Sea Grant, Department of Agriculture and the FDA. 
The issue of perceived problems related to local fisheries as a result of the
spill was discussed.  NOAA HAZMAT's Biological Assessment Team is assisting
on-scene support by providing information that local agencies and authorities
can base concerns and activities upon.  Several technical reports scientific
articles and memoranda are being compiled by NOAA HAZMAT for this effort. 
Another meeting will be held early next week if necessary. The shoreline
inspection team performed the final inspection on Zone 7 today (18 FEB) and
signed this zone of under the condition that it be monitored twice per week
until the regional monitoring program is enacted.  Tar ball and buried oil
removal continues along Levittown Beach (Zone 8) in the vicinity of the mouth of
Rio Hondo.  New oil was reported in Segments 9D and 9E (southwest side of Puntas
Salinas Beach). Zone 18 has been closed with the exception of Segment C which
still required additional cleanup operations.  The ASSC will conduct dye- marker
tests in Zone 18 Saturday (19 FEB).  He will compile a final assessment report
before departing on Monday (21 FEB).  

FUTURE PLANS:
A report detailing the history of oiling that occurred in each zone as a result
of the Morris J. Bermans spill will be prepared for the FOSC. This report should
be completed Tuesday (22 FEB) at which time the RPI representative will be
released.  Zone 9 will be signed off on Tuesday (22 FEB) and Zone 8 is scheduled
for final inspection on Thursday (24 FEB).