MOBILE, Ala. — Private property owners are in line for some help from the Coastal Conservation Association. The group will begin distributing cleanup supplies to those dealing with oil cleanup on their own.

“BP’s cleanup focus has been entirely on public beaches,” CCA’s Western Shore Chapter President Law Stuart told members. “Owners of private property with waterfront exposure on Alabama's coast are concerned about the damage being done to sensitive nonpublic areas as well as public beaches.”

CCA Alabama on Thursday announced a program to provide cleanup supplies to those who are addressing the spill in areas not included in the BP cleanup. Distribution locations in Baldwin and Mobile counties are being established by the organization, and they will be posted on www.ccaalabama.org.

“CCA observed a gap in coastal cleanup,” said Doug Houston, a CCA board member. “That gap, seen by some as a problem, presented an opportunity for CCA to assist with cleanup.”

Dees Paper Company responded to CCA’s request for cleanup supplies by donating a large quantity of rubber gloves, wiping material and disposable trash bags. Kimberly Clark Corp. contributed shop towels and other cleanup supplies in large quantities.

In order to be eligible for the supplies, recipients must agree to use the materials for their intended purpose, use proper personal protective equipment when dealing with the oil and to dispose of the cleaned up material in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Stuart said, “Many property owners with spill exposure do not have the resources to hire contractors to assist with cleanup. Some are retirees, and others are struggling to hang on to their homes in difficult economic times. We hope the supplies will provide some needed help during this phase of the tragedy. Some of these areas are environmentally fragile, and they need to be cared for quickly and diligently once the oil reaches the shore.”

For more information, call the CCA office at (251) 478-3474.