This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
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February 17, 2003

Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington DC
202/358-1600

Eileen M. Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
281/483-5111

Report #N03-019

NASA ASKS FARMERS FOR HELP FINDING COLUMBIA MATERIAL

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, 
Calif., 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.

Telephone reports should be made by calling, toll-free:

1-866-446-6603

Text reports and images should be e-mailed to: 

columbiaimages{at}nasa.gov

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.

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