Unified command established for Hurricane Michael pollution response

Unified command established for Hurricane Michael pollution response

MIRAMAR BEACH, FLA. – An Emergency Support Function 10 Unified Command for Hurricane Michael with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was established Monday to oversee the assessment and removal of hazardous materials from Florida’s waterways in the aftermath of the storm.

“The Coast Guard and FWC’s mission after a storm’s impact is to ensure the immediate safety of the residents in the affected area,” said Cmdr. Christopher Cederholm, federal on-scene coordinator. “Now, our focus turns to maintaining the long-term safety of our neighbors and the environment in which they live by mitigating the actual and potential release of hazardous materials from affected vessels.”

Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission members are conducting assessments of damaged and sunken vessels in the areas impacted by Hurricane Michael. Top priority will be given to vessels actively leaking pollution for which immediate action can be taken to contain and remove the material.  

-USCG-