Grand Isle closes beaches due to oil on shore
By Jenny Hurwitz, The Times-Picayune
May 21, 2010, 12:07PM Government officials in Grand Isle are closing all beaches until further notice, citing the fact that oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill is washing up on the shore. “They’re starting to see dead wildlife,” said Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts. Roberts said there is more oil offshore, and he’s concerned it will continue washing ashore when the high tide comes in this afternoon. He is heading to Houma to meet with BP officials, in an attempt to address the situation, he said. The beach closure went into effect at noon, to allow workers to begin cleaning up the oil, according to Nora Combel, with the mayor’s office. People are advised to stay off the beaches, and they will be asked to leave if they are caught trespassing, she said. The state Wildlife and Fisheries Department has closed the state waters off Grand Isle, including Elmer’s Island. The back bays on the north side of the island are still open for fishing, as is the fishing pier in Caminada Bay, Combel said.
