Unified Command established for Louisiana oil spill response

National Response Center LogoNEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office and ECM Maritime Services have established a unified command to respond to an oil discharge near Bay Long, Louisiana, Tuesday.

The damaged pipeline is isolated. Response crews are determining the best way to safely remove the remaining product from the line.

To date, 74 personnel, 21 boats, 8 skimmers, and approximately 10,000 feet of hard-boom have been deployed to contain and recover the product. Approximately 560 gallons of oily-water mixture have been recovered.

Aerial assessments are being conducted of the site and surrounding areas to guide response efforts.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has reported two oiled birds in the area. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is conducting shoreline impact assessment. To report impacted wildlife, call 713-705-5897.

On Monday, an estimated 5,300 gallons of crude oil was discharged from a Harvest Pipeline Company pipeline after a Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company vessel conducting excavation operations struck it.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.


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