DMR calls off oil spill clean-up efforts

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST — The state Department of Marine Resources has ordered local municipalities to end their oil spill cleanup efforts.

DMR executive director Bill Walker tells The Sun Herald he made the decision to ask the governments to halt work, but had consulted with the state Department of Environmental Quality and the Governor’s Office.

He says there’s a reduced threat of oil on the coast. Walker says BP will continue cleanup of tar balls.

BP allocated $25 million to the state for local government oil disaster work.

Walker says he doesn’t know how much local governments have spent. That’s one reason he halted the work, to take an accounting.