AUSTIN - The Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program invites the public to attend a joint meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday, April 25 in the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Ave., room 170. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and last until noon.
The meeting will provide a chance to catch up on the latest developments with both the Land Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. Staff members from both agencies will make presentations and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to meet oil spill prevention and response personnel and network with colleagues.
Also, Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, will honor the 2006 Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act Award winners in a special ceremony.
"The award recipients are examples of how industry and regulatory agencies can work together to protect our environment," Patterson said. "These are the best of the best in their fields and they have gone beyond the call of duty to protect and preserve the Texas coast."
Following are the 2006 OSPRA Award winners and why they deserve to be honored:
Officer Jeff Mink Brazoria County Environmental Health
Jeff Mink was nominated for his diligent efforts to mitigate oil and hazardous products on the Marine Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Zeus. His commitment to protecting the local community, the environment and his steadfast determination during the removal of the (MODU) Zeus is exemplary.
Fire Chief Tom George and the city of Nassau Bay Fire Department
George and the city of Nassau Bay Fire Department went beyond the call of duty during a sunken vessel incident. Their quick response and commitment was outstanding, and greatly assisted the Texas General Land Office and the citizens of Nassau Bay.
Charles Milestead, CITGO Petroleum Corporation Brownsville Terminal
Milestead and the CITGO Brownsville Terminal were nominated for their proactive stance toward oil spill prevention and response. They continue to open their doors to the Land Offices Oil Spill Prevention and Response staff in South Texas. They provide a location for drills and equipment drills. And their participation in the Teach the Teacher Program which explains the role of the Port of Brownsville and its compliance with state and federal laws has been invaluable.
Steve Kelley Moran Towing of Texas
Kelley and Moran Towing are recognized for their seriousness and dedication to continuously improve their operations regarding the environment, their people and their equipment. Moran Towing spent more than $150,000 converting its equipment and ultimately reducing the potential for a spill.
National Spill Control School Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
For the past 30 years, the National Spill Control School has provided oil and hazardous substance spill prevention, response and safety training. The school continues to train response personnel from Texas, the United States and around the world, providing outstanding environmental protection and safety.
Bill Haines and the city of Aransas Pass
Under the leadership of City Manager Mike Sullinger, and with the support of the city of Aransas Pass, Bill Haines has aggressively implemented the identification, removal and disposal of abandoned commercial fishing vessels from the citys Conn Brown Harbor. For years, these vessels were the source of numerous fuel and oil spills.
Ron Roe and Aransas County Navigation District
Ron Roe, Superintendent and Harbor Master of Aransas Navigation District, passed away this year, but his legacy of working aggressively to prevent oil spills in the navigation district lives on. Roe was the first to ask for and receive a mobile bilge pump-out station. He also initiated action to improve the pump-out capability by requesting construction of a large volume facility in Cover Harbor. Completion of the facility is expected to occur this year. Roes aggressive attitude, constant vigilance, and expert training and supervision of his personnel, combined with a close working relationship with the GLO OSPRA Program resulted in a great reduction of spills in the Rockport/Fulton area and a better environment for the animals and people who live there.
Over the last 10 years, the Texas General Land Office has recognized small and large organizations, including non-profits and public agencies, as well as those from the private sector. Each has made a strong contribution to protecting or preserving Texas fragile coast.
For additional information, please call Debbie Saenz at (512) 475-1466.
WHO: Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office
WHAT: 2006 OSPRA Awards Ceremony/Information transfer meeting
WHEN: From 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, April 25, 2007
WHERE: Stephen F. Austin Building Room 170
WHY: To honor organizations, non-profits, contractors and consultants, who have exceeded basic compliance with the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991, or taken proactive steps to enhance the protection and preservation of coastal resources.