JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Coast Guard and industry partners are responding to an oil spill on the Trout River, Fla., Friday.
Insulating oil from a power line owned by JEA that runs under the Trout River has started to leak to the surface approximately 100 yards from shore and one-quarter of a mile east from the Trout River Bridge. Response and cleanup crews have identified and isolated the source of the leak with containment boom. JEA has depressurized the pipe containing the insulating oil and power line, and is making preparations to safely remove the pipe from the river.
JEA immediately contacted the Coast Guard about the leak after a low oil pressure alarm indicated a possible problem early Thursday morning.
The Coast Guard is overseeing the clean up and environmental assessment of the spill along with Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The agencies have not received any reports of impacted wildlife or significant environmental impact. There is light oil sheening reported in the Trout and St. Johns River, Fla.
The pipe contains approximately 6,000 gallons of insulating oil and is leaking approximately 1 quart of oil a day. The hired contractor is actively removing the oil and will continue to do so until no longer necessary.
The navigational channel is still open to boating traffic; however, boaters are reminded to move with caution while transiting near the oil spill site.
JEA has assumed responsibility for the cleanup and is fully cooperating with the Coast Guard.
