Write a response to this students short essay on his restoration idea/project. What did you think? Do you think he has a good plan? Do you have anything to add? Use at least one source.
Now onto the important class based information. The forum asks what I think that BP, the NOAA and conservation groups mean when they say that the Louisiana marshes will be restored. I think BP means that they will through a bunch of money at it and everyone will forget that they were irresponsible in their operations of their own rigs. Its amazing how many lawyers here are trying to get my business to sign up for these class action law suits to get BP money (BP, 2014). I decided to completely stay out of it but I do know people, even waiters that have been awarded over $10,000 just to make them happy and try to forget about the spill. It’s sickening. I will not get gas at a BP station and many people here in town will not either.
As far as the NOAA and conservation groups, the area can be cleaned up as much as possible but eventually the oil will disperse and the marsh will be naturally restored. It is extremely hard to clean up even drip of oil that came from the oil spill but several efforts have been underway and soon enough nature will heal itself.
I found a case study on the EPA’s website that explains a project to restore Jacks Creek in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. Jack’s Creek is a former smelting and precious metals reclamation facility. The site operated from 1958-1977. As of right now a metal scrap yard and aluminum recycling facility is located at the site. The soil at the site is contaminated with high levels of lead, copper, zinc, cadmium and PCB’s.
The wetlands onsite are also contaminated and a consumption advisory is based on PCB contamination at the site for all fish species in the wetlands. Soil excavation at the site damaged wetlands so much that they need to be recreated with techniques to prevent soil migration.
The main objectives of the project include restoring the riparian corridor, recreating flood plains, reducing storm water flow to the creek and preventing residual contamination from migrating.
The area was graded with non-contaminated soil to create vernal pools within the floodplain. Trees and shrubs were planted in the floodplain as well. The area was seeded with annuals and perennials to stabilize the soil giving the woody plants time to grow. Invasive species were removed from the area and constant monitoring was implemented to ensure the success of the project (EPA, 2pic
References
BP. (2014, May). Claims Information. Retrieved from BP.com: http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/gulf-of-mexico-restoration/claims-information.html
EPA. (2013, September 25). EPA Region III Case Studies . Retrieved from epa.gov: http://www.epa.gov/reg3hscd/risk/eco/restoration/cs/JacksCreek.htm
