The Unified Command Center has determined that the cleanup situation has stabilized and significant progress has been made in environmentally sensitive areas. For safety reasons, the Command has determined that all cleanup efforts will take place during daylight hours. No free-floating oil has been observed on the Patuxent River for the fifth consecutive day, prompting the pulling of protective containment booms in certain areas. Some of these booms will remain available on the shoreline, however, as a precautionary measure.
Booms remain in marshes to ensure that stranded oil remains contained until removed.
Approximately 600 people are currently recovering oil and cleaning shoreline at various sites. Other experts working to return the water and affected shoreline areas to safe and usable standards include NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More than 29,000 gallons of oil have been collected to date. Cleaning operations are currently underway at Golden Beach, Cremona Creek, Spring Creek, Coatigan Creek, Cat Creek, Roslin Creek, Trent Hall Creek, Indian Creek and Cole Creek. Crews are increasing their cleanup efforts in specific beach areas due to the upcoming nesting of Diamondback Terrapins.