An oil slicked beach at Grand Isle State Park. Mounds of sand cover piles of collected oil waiting to be collected.
Gearing Up...
Workers contracted through BP put on the clean-up uniforms as a reporter approaches taking a picture. One of the men warns, "I wouldn't do that!"
...But Not Right Now
Less than two minutes later the workers remove their suits as the reporter walks away.
Access to the Beach
Retired Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen issued a directive July 12th saying journalists should have "clear, unfettered access to this event." Since then, reporters who approach public beaches without escort have routinely been turned away by law enforcement and BP security contractors.