Letters from the Front, Part 3


"I had a good talk with John Nistler and his partner David Tweedie this afternoon. Its seems that they have a granular carbon based extraction powder that will soak up the oil off the top of the surface. They are in the business of reclaiming oil that other wise would be incinerated or buried and get it back on the the market where it can be used and sold. Since the hair can work incredibly well at soaking up oil I think that we could be able to help each other out. John seems to believe that there is a loop hole in being able to go and collect the oil without BP's permission. Yes they are in charge of the clean up but the oil is not theirs, it is everybody's. So if we are able to get the booms in use, they would take them away from us. 

Still not to sure how this can work legally and will be doing more research on this matter. Maybe John you can give us an insight into how you think we can best help. 

The issue is not only a legal one but also a health one. We have stressed that we want to offer the booms up to certified clean up teams so that they are used and disposed of in the most proper and safe way. This would definitely have to be the case if we were to work together. However if there are some volunteer groups, like the Bucket Brigade that already have permission to clean up the oil then we can maybe give them the booms to use and you can collect them to extract the oil. 

Thanks Samantha for hooking us up. Hopefully something good can come of this and we can start getting these booms in use. Its seems that BP is losing control of the situation and there is a need for other groups to go out there and help clean up. As long as that legal issue of working with the oil is clear then I don't see why Nistler and his crew couldn't use the hair booms. 

I will do some more research and will welcome an insight you all have on this issue. 
Keep your hopes up."

Tyler @ Matter of Trust, SF CA