A few weeks back, we received the following request:
Calling for Help from Lebanon! The Israeli attacks on Lebanon caused a major oil spill from raiding fuel tanks in a coastal power plant at the first days of the attacks. We are talking about 10,000 tons of heavy fuel oil which spread along 90 kms of the lebanese coast. It is considered the worst oil spill in the East Mediterranean ever. We need help fo rapid assessment of the economic damages from this spill.
Normally, I would jump at a chance to apply my trade, but at the time I ignored the request because...well...missiles were still flying and I'm a wimp. Today, the Washington Post has an update:
The Lebanese port of Byblos has survived the Romans, the Crusades and the armies of Alexander the Great but now it faces a 21st century menace, brought to its shores on a tide of war -- oil pollution.
A slick caused by Israel's bombardment of a power plant last month during its conflict with Hizbollah guerrillas has spewed a black tide along a 87-mile stretch of the coastline.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact me, and I'll put you in touch with the right people--what with the strong cease-fire agreement in place. As for me, I'm staying in the comfort of my office. Maybe I'll send a graduate student.
