LSU Resilience Symposium 2013 Daniel Nguyen danielnguyen@mqvncdc.org Response, Recovery, and Resilience to Oil Spills and Environmental Disasters: Engaging Experts and Communities A Symposium and Workshop for Community Stakeholders, Researchers and Policymakers Presentations from Jan. 29, 2013 More information on symposium: http://superfund.oregonstate.edu/LSUSymposium1.13

1. LSU Resilience Symposium 2013
Daniel Nguyen
danielnguyen@mqvncdc.org

2. New Orleans East Overview
●
●
●
●
●
●
60% of Orleans
landmass
21% of Population
Lack of Food Access
Lack of Healthcare
Access
High unemployment and
poverty
Lack of Transportation
Access

3. Research
Institution
Community
Organization
Community

5. Community-Scientist Relations
When asked who understood effects of oil spill:
● People in Community understand effects (76%)
● Scientists understand effects (36%)
Interestingly, 84% of participants noted a partnership
between scientists and community could address
issues regarding the BP oil spill

16. Results of the 'Safe Shrimp' Study
●
●
●
●
Samples of white shrimp were collected from specific,
local harvest areas and from two local grocery stores in
the fall of 2010
Each sample was analyzed for the presence and levels
of >61 specific petroleum-related compounds, many
found in Louisiana sweet crude oil
Results are given in “parts per billion” and indicate
almost no crude oil or other hydrocarbon compounds
are present in the locally harvested samples
Observed levels of total hydrocarbons were well below
State and Federal consumption safety threshold levels

17. Next Steps
●
●
Long term seafood study (NIEHS Grant)
Apply model to other community environmental
concerns
●
●
●
●
Agricultural Concerns
Soil Contamination
Water Contamination
Air Quality

18. Lessons Learned
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Language Access / Cultural Competency
Effective Information Dissemination
Work with Communities (CBPR)
Fund local non-profits directly
Hire Local
Avoid 'Survey Fatigue'
Give communities part-ownership of data