The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be conducting an oil spill response preparedness exercise in the vicinity of Oakledge Park at Blanchard Beach on September 16th, 2014. The exercise will include the deployment of oil spill response and recovery equipment, including personnel, waterborne and shoreside equipment. Exercise participants include local first responders, along with Federal and State emergency responders, Non-Governmental Organizations, oil spill recovery organizations and industry partners. Exercise activities will begin Tuesday, September 16th at 8:00AM and will conclude early afternoon. Response vehicles, vessels, pollution containment boom, a vacuum truck and workers wearing Personal Protective Equipment will likely be visible in the area.

Oakledge Park will remain fully open to the general public as we do not anticipate this exercise impacting daily activities in the area. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact James Carew with the EPA at(857) 200-0480.