The US Coast Guard still appeared confused about the inspections and the operations were brought to a halt. A BP Safety Inspector and US Coast Guard Liaison went to the barges.
Immediately after making a call to the White House, the White House called the Coast Guard saying from this point forward the Coast Guard can only make safety recommendations, and not interfere with the cleanup operations.
The two barges, located in Bay Jimmy and Bay Baptiste, are now back in operation.
“We want to sincerely thank the President once again for stepping in and making things happen in a positive way to help prevent this oil from destroying our marshes and way of life,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser. “I want to thank him for using a common sense approach and helping save our wetlands and our way of life. It’s a shame that the agency in charge continues to stand in the way of getting our job accomplished.”
Press release from Plaquemines Parish President