NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is responding to an oil release Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at the Pointe Au Chien State Wildlife Management area, near Galliano, La.
The oil release is from an oil wellhead, which was discovered and reported late Wednesday.
Crews from Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, and Marine Safety Units Morgan City, La., and Houma, La., are responding to the release and there has been more than 3,300-feet of containment boom deployed and there is additional 1,200-feet of boom staged nearby. Coast Guard overflights Thursday morning revealed a 75 yard by 1mile long stretch of contaminated waterway.
In addition to the boom, various skimmers and boats are on scene, and more resources are en route and being deployed as needed. Secondary containment boom is in place as an additional safeguard.
Coast Guard spill response technicians continue to monitor the site and the status of the well.
The well was not operational at the time of the incident. Baby Oil, Inc., of Houma, La., is the owner of the well.
The cause of the release is under investigation.
