SC panel discuss the chance of tar balls (AUDIO)

Experts gathered in Charleston this week to discuss the potential implications that the Gulf oil spill will have for South Carolina, if any.

Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin moderated the discussion. He says so far, the Gulf oil spill has been good news for South Carolina tourism because some Gulf Coast tourists have come here.  But Goodwin says if tar balls arrive on South Carolina beaches, it will be bad news.

AUDIO: Goodwin on oil spill (:54)

Mayor Goodwin says local businesses are not really worried about the possibility of tar balls arriving on South Carolina beaches, but that could change.

Anton DuMars owns Tideline Tours, which specializes in eco-tourism. He takes tourists on marsh tours. DuMars is also a coastal geologist. He says the worst case scenario is that some tar balls could arrive on South Carolina beaches.  DuMars says tar balls are affecting tourism in the Gulf and they could affect tourists who now visit South Carolina beaches.

AUDIO: DuMars on oil spill (:54)

Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Dr. Stephen Smith was instrumental in organizing the panel discussion.  He says the chance of the spill, or even tar balls, reaching the Carolina coast is low.

AUDIO: Smith on oil spill, oil drilling (1:48)

Smith says the Gulf spill has been an eye opening experience for many officials, that offshore drilling is a bad idea and a serious threat to states that depend on tourism and fishing.  Smith is in favor of reducing or eliminating off shore drilling in the U.S. He says if U.S. consumers could reduce their oil consumption by 25 percent, they could stop offshore drilling completely and stop buying oil from the middle east. He says he’s not in favor or buying oil from Persian Gulf nations.  Only 14 percent of oil used in the U.S. comes from the Persian Gulf. Ten percent comes from the Gulf of Mexico. The rest comes mostly from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela.

The Florida legislature is preparing for a special session to focus on banning offshore drilling.

Among others participating in the roundtable discussion, Gulf Coast fisherman Mark Mitchel and College of Charleston geologist Scott Harris.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS