MIAMI – The Florida Peninsula Command Post Unified Command announced Saturday plans to establish a group of Qualified Community Responders (QCR) in Monroe County to prepare for the possibility that oil products need to be cleaned from beaches.

While there is no imminent threat of weathered oil products reaching the Florida Keys, there is a need to identify resources and to train individuals who can then respond immediately in the event weathered oil does impact the area. The threat of oil related products reaching the Florida Keys in the near future still remains low at this time.

The responders would be prepared to perform shoreline cleanup activities that may include carrying and handling materials and supplies, raking or shoveling debris, operating front end loaders or power washers to clean rocks and beach areas, wiping or washing oil-covered items, and removing trash.

All QCR’s must attend a 4-, 24- or 40-hour training session. The level of training required will depend on the specific role of the individual QCR. Training includes safety and proper handling of hazardous waste materials.

The local Work Force Development office will help identify up to 300 unemployed local residents throughout the Florida Keys who, once screened, would be paid during their training. The plan is to provide paid training to 100 local residents each in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. More people may be trained later depending on response needs.

To date, 520 QCR’s are being recruited and trained in Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus and Hernando Counties. 

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