FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Assistant Fairhope Public Works Director Ken Eslava, who also serves as the city's oil spill coordinator, announced Tuesday that the Pier Street boat ramp in Fairhope is immediately closed until further notice.

The boat ramp and area surrounding it has been functioning as BP's Eastern Shore Command Center since mid-May in response to the oil spill crisis.

Although pedestrians are not be allowed in the ramp area, the sidewalk along the right-of-way is still open for foot traffic.

Arrangements will be made for any boats that had been launching from the Pier Street ramp.

Eslava said BP has significantly increased activity in the past 12 hours, and response vessels are now being deployed from the Pier Street boat ramp, making the closing necessary.

BP is deploying additional booming from this area, along with booming already being deployed there by the city.

Private security is patrolling the site for security and public safety throughout the day and evening hours.

The navigable channels at the Grand Hotel, the Fairhope Municipal Pier Marina, Fly Creek and the Fairhope Yacht Club will remain open for recreational boat traffic.

Boaters are encouraged to launch recreational vessels at the Mullet Point public access and the Weeks Bay public boat launch.