Incident Responses for March 2020

Posted Mon, 04/13/2020 - 22:26

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 11 incidents, including oil discharges, sunken vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.  

Here are some of March's notable incidents:

Vessel Runs Aground in Green River, Wisconsin

On March 19, a vessel ran aground approximately 5 nautical miles north of Fox River in Green Bay, Wisconsin, partially blocking the channel. The Algoma Conveyer experienced a loss of propulsion, prompting it to let go of its starboard anchor and then run aground. 

No injuries or incidents of pollution were reported. The vessel was carrying rock salt and 15,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil and diesel. The U.S. Coast Guard requested NOAA provide trajectory and a resources at risk report in the event of a discharge. 

As of March 27, salvage operations for the Conveyer were complete. 

Submarine Cable Removal in Alaska

On March 27, the U.S. Coast Guard asked NOAA to provide input on Endangered Species Act listed species in the vicinity of a submarine power cable removal project in the Stikine Channel in Alaska. 

The Southeast Alaska Power Agency is replacing an electric submarine power cable in the Stikine crossing between the islands of Woronkofski and Vank to maintain reliable power for the Petersburg Borough. The worst case discharge for the project is the 212 gallons of dielectric fluid in the 18,000 feet of cable. 

Here is the complete list of last month’s incidents, click on the links to find out more: