Every month our Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries, and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment.
This month OR&R responded to 17 incidents, including oil discharges, sunken vessels, and hazardous material releases.
Here are some of February’s notable incidents:
Bunker C Fuel Seepage Near Northlake Way, Seattle
On Feb. 2, 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound contacted NOAA regarding a release of Bunker C fuel oil into North Lake Union in Seattle. The leak resulted from a burst water main and subsequent flushing of previously contaminated soil.
The source of the leak was secured and the initial volume discharged was estimated to be around 20-30 gallons. Containment boom was placed around the lake and the contaminated water was removed.
Towing Vessel Sinks in Ohio River
On Feb. 8, a towing vessel capsized on the Ohio River at mile marker 259, near Cheshire, Ohio. The Ed McLaughlin sank in approximately 75 feet of water with nearly 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 110 gallons of lube oil, and 55 gallons of hydraulic oil on board.
A light sheen was reported near the site shortly after the vessel sank. The U.S. Coast Guard requested a report on the fate and trajectory of any potential release, as well as the effects of the release type.
Tanker Truck Spills 4,000 Gallons of Diesel in Oregon
On Feb. 13, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality notified NOAA of an overturned tanker truck that had spilled approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel near Lindsay Creek in Oregon.
The Oregon DEQ initiated booming to contain the spill within Lindsay Lake, preventing it from spreading into the Columbia River. NOAA did a shoreline cleanup assessment to determine the natural resources of concern in the area, and the best response and cleanup efforts moving forward. Response activities are ongoing.
Vessel Fire on the Maumee River in Ohio
On Feb. 17, a vessel was reported to be on fire at the CSX pier on the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The M/V St. Clair was reportedly carrying 69,000 gallons of #6 fuel oil at the time of the fire.
The U.S. Coast Guard and firefighters were the among the first on scene. According to a Coast Guard press release the external fire was under control shortly after the fire was discovered. Responders conducted an aerial observation the following day and found no evidence of pollution in the Maumee River.
The 762-foot vessel had been moored for repairs and was not carrying any cargo at the time of the fire.
Here is the complete list of last month’s incidents, click on the links to find out more:
- Northlake Way Bunker C Seepage
- Hobby Airport JP-8 Discharge
- Mystery Sheen - Cape Lookout State Park
- FV Big John Vessel Grounding
- T/V Ed McLaughlin Sinking Ohio River
- Trawler Aground Swinomish Channel, Puget Sound
- Lindsey Lake Tanker Spill
- FV Pacific 1
- West Cameron 398 Unknown Sheen
- M/V St Clair Vessel Fire Maumee River
- FV Kaia
- Cargo Plane Crash, Trinity Bay,TX
- Sump Pump Discharge into Lake St. Clair
- Guardian Plane Search
- FV Arctic Storm
- LC Don Quixote
- Olympia Brewery Transformer Spill