Wed, Feb 19, 2003
NASA
is asking farmers and ranchers in the western United States to stay
alert for material from the Space Shuttle Columbia on their
property. With spring plowing already under way or beginning, it is
possible for some of these items -– which may still be
hazardous -– to be covered up or damaged through normal
agricultural activities.
Farmers, ranchers and their workers in New Mexico, Texas and
Louisiana are asked to be on the lookout for possible shuttle
materials 60 miles north or south of a line stretching generally
from San Francisco (CA), to Lafayette (LA). Farmers in the Texas
counties of Ellis, Haskell, Henderson, Hood, Johnson, Navarro, Palo
Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall Throckmorton and
Young should be especially watchful.
Shuttle materials lying in fields may not look like typical
aircraft components. Pictures of typical shuttle debris may be
viewed at the following website: www.nasa.gov/columbia/COL_debris_pix.html
Anyone who discovers debris suspected to be from
the accident is urged to avoid contact, because it may be hazardous
as a result of toxic propellants aboard the shuttle. Farmers are
cautioned to temporarily avoid cultivation in areas where debris is
found because it may damage equipment or be unearthed again in
future plowing cycles.
All debris is U.S. Government property and is critical to the
investigation of the mishap. All debris from the accident is to be
left alone and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized
persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted
to the full extent of the law.
Telephone reports should be made by calling, toll-free:
1-866-446-6603
Text reports and images should be e-mailed to: columbiaimages@nasa.gov
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