Jackson Co. residents frustrated with BP's oil clean-up response

I'm so proud of my friend Lorrie Williams of Ocean Springs! She has been crying out for help since July 5th and finally today (August 17th), the news, and DEQ responded. Sadly they lied that they have been there every day looking!!!! We know the TRUTH!!!!

Thank you and bless you Lorrie for fighting so hard! Keep up the great work and don't ever give up! Love you girl, you are truly an inspiration!

~ Denise

By Patrice Clark –

JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) – Several Jackson County residents are complaining they're still seeing signs of oil and tar balls on the beaches. BD Root lives in Jackson County and every morning he heads to Lake Mars Landing to check for oil. During Tuesday's search he said he spotted what he believes is oil on a rock and on sheet pilings at the boat dock.

"It was probably a half dollar size, some of them maybe a little bit bigger and then it is floating down when it hits," Root said. "They are coming in with the tide water as high as that is."

Lori Williams also checks for oil here and in nearby bayous and beaches daily. Williams also shot this video Monday and posted it on YouTube. She said she wants people everywhere to see what's still washing up in Jackson County.

"I talked the DEQ weeks ago and told them that the oil was down there. I spoke with EPA and the Coast Guard and no one has done anything," Williams said.

BP's Lisa Houghton said the company is doing its part to clean up oil.

"We are continuing to monitor and assess the beaches and the waters through Vessels of Opportunity, SCAT teams and coastal volunteers," Houghton said. "BP is committed to being in Mississippi in both the near-term and long-term."

"I kind of feel like it is a cover up and they don't want to accept the responsibility of what is here," Williams said.

Mississippi Department Of Environmental Quality said it will sample the brown substance citizens found Tuesday at Lake Mars Landing. Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran said she received reports from MDEQ this week that said oil was found at the popular fishing spot just this past weekend.

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved