Latest Mississippi River Delta News: April 7, 2015

Study suggests chemical used in BP oil spill cleanup capable of injuring people and wildlife
By Michael E. Miller, The Washington Post. April 7, 2015
“Nearly two million gallons of Corexit were sprayed atop the oil spill to help break down the petroleum. But in their study, the UAB scientists found that the dispersant can seriously damage epithelial cells, such as those in the lungs of humans or the gills of marine animals.” (Read More)

Letter: Restoring and protecting La. Coast benefits entire nation
The Advocate. April 6, 2015
“State residents recognize restoring Louisiana’s coast is a national conservation priority, which is essential to sustaining world-class fisheries and waterfowl habitat, as well as our coastal communities, unique culture and a vital source of energy for the entire nation. It’s perplexing the president and others in Washington don’t recognize that.” (Read More)

Fines from BP spill to help restore Gulf
By Kendra Conlon, WTSP. April 6, 2015
“State residents recognize restoring Louisiana’s coast is a national conservation priority, which is essential to sustaining world-class fisheries and waterfowl habitat, as well as our coastal communities, unique culture and a vital source of energy for the entire nation. It’s perplexing the president and others in Washington don’t recognize that.” (Read More)

Five years on, Deepwater Horizon oil spill’s impact lingers
By Beth Mole, Science News. April 3, 2015
“Afloat in orange cages on the coastal wetland, the featherless chirpers warn researchers of toxic fumes rising from oil. Oozing oil is a recurring yet elusive problem on the marsh in Barataria Bay, just south of New Orleans. One day, a patch of the wetland is green and lush, the next it’s drenched in thick, noxious goo. It’s a haunting vestige of North America’s largest marine oil disaster: the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.” (Read More)

The BP oil spill 5 years after: How has it affected you?
By Mark Fischetti, Scientific American. April 6, 2015
“On this fifth anniversary of the accident, Scientific American is inviting readers to document the successes and failures of recovery. Send us your photos and videos of animals, shorelines or communities that are indeed coming back—as well as those that are not. And tell us how the spill continues to affect your lives and livelihoods. We will post your contributions as part of the anniversary coverage.” (Read More)