FEMA Updates Search, Find And Secure Activities For Columbia Investigation
Release Date: February 7, 2003
Release Number: 3171-13
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Lufkin, TX -- The search for Columbia shuttle material continued at full strength today as a cold rain lessened and sky conditions improved across the search area, Michael Brown, deputy director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported.
"A break in the weather allows resumption of air support to ground searchers for missions that we had to suspend yesterday due to poor visibility," Brown said. "Operations will resume on a more normal basis today as we get back on track."
"Brown gave the following incident update:
- Search teams welcome the public's help in identifying possible shuttle material sites but stress the danger of approaching or touching what may be hazardous materials. These sites should be reported to local authorities immediately. Removal of shuttle materials without notification is a federal crime.
- The period of amnesty for persons who have illegally removed shuttle material expires at 5 p.m. today. Those who are holding such material are advised to notify authorities to avoid prosecution for theft.
- Following a refined data analysis, residents of seven Texas counties have been alerted to be vigilant for possible material sites. The counties are Throckmorton, Shackelford, Stephens, Young, Palo Pinto, Hood and Erath. Authorities said reports would be handled expeditiously.
- The Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, Coast Guard, FBI and Department of Public Safety conducted searches in Toledo Bend Reservoir to identify potential underwater material sites. Using sophisticated sonar equipment, an underwater remotely operated vehicle and aerial overflights, several possible sites have been located. Further recovery efforts are under way.
- Texas has 353 state law enforcement agents, 29 department of transportation personnel, 23 from the Commission on Environment Quality, 36 parks and wildlife agents and 800 National Guard troops are active in the recovery effort.
- Louisiana has 176 state law enforcement and agency personnel conducting search operations in that state.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Apr-2003 13:23:59