Officials Seek Second Round of Shuttle Searches
Release Date: February 10, 2003
Release Number: 3171-17
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Lufkin, TX -- Space shuttle Columbia search officials expressed their appreciation Monday to the countless Texas residents who found and reported shuttle material. At the same time, they issued a call for a renewed search effort; citing seven counties that investigators suspect may hold additional material.
While officials asked that all property on which material has been found get a second look, the counties of Sabine, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Cherokee, Anderson, Henderson and Navarro were mentioned in particular as possible sites of additional material.
A new toll-free number, 1-866-446-6603, has been established to report shuttle material findings.
"The public has given generously of time and effort in locating shuttle material. This has contributed greatly to the success of a very difficult mission," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Following search pattern analysis, we are now asking landowners for a second round of searching in specific areas where there's reason to believe material still can be found."
The caution on removing or touching shuttle material was again emphasized due to the continuing risk of encountering toxic chemicals and the need to chart the precise location of any materials found. Shuttle material should not be touched and should be left in place and authorities immediately notified to coordinate the pickup.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 26-Mar-2003 09:16:52