Presence of Tar Balls in the Very Eastern Edge of Lake Pontchartrain

On July 5, 2010, St. Tammany Parish detected the presence of tar balls in the very eastern edge of Lake Pontchartrain where the lake meets the Rigolets.  This was the first sighting of any type of oil entering Lake Pontchartrain from the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Jefferson Parish is closely monitoring this situation and is communicating with the U. S. Coast Guard, St. Tammany and Orleans Parishes on any risks it may have to Jefferson Parish.

The City of New Orleans, St. Tammany Parish, U.S. Coast Guard and BP have placed barges and booms at the eastern entrances to Lake Pontchartrain.  Skimming vessels are in place if needed. At this time the tar balls and other forms of oil do not pose a threat to the waters of Jefferson Parish. Additionally, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries have not closed any fishing areas in any parts of the lake in Jefferson Parish.

Jefferson Parish does not have any marsh or wetlands along the coast of the lake that would need protection from the oil. Steps will be taken to boom off Jefferson Parish pumping stations and harbors to protect them from oil should that become necessary.  The Parish will push BP and the U. S. Coast Guard to protect the lake and clean up any oil quickly should any oil enter this estuary.

Citizens wishing to fish or recreate on the lake should check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries web site, www.wlf.louisiana.gov  for the latest information.