Fresh Crude Washing Ashore Elmers Isle Louisiana
Fresh Crude Washing Ashore Elmers Isle Louisiana
Coast Guard begins cleanup, skimming of new oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
UPDATE 3/22/2011 1:04PM EST: Oil has impacted 30 miles of shoreline so far, according to the Coast Guard. More information here.
The Coast Guard is continuing clean up and recovery operations in Grand Isle today after fresh crude oil began washing ashore.
Oil was reported to be washing ashore over the weekend, prompting the Coast Guard, along with other state and local agencies, to begin clean up and recovery operations of impacted shorelines on Elmer Island, Fourchon Beach and Grand Isle.
“We are working with our state and local partners to mitigate any further environmental impact while continuing to facilitate the safe movement of marine traffic to the fullest extent possible. Vessel traffic is highly encouraged to avoid the spill area and vessels that must transit through the affected zone should make every effort to avoid pockets of oil while ensuring safe navigation,” said Capt. Jonathan Burton, the coordinator for the response.
The Coast Guard has deployed approximately 10,000 feet of containment and sorbent boom to prevent damage to environmentally sensitive areas. Two MARKO Skimmers are currently underway and an additional two MARKO Skimmers are on hand. The Coast Guard also has two barge boats and two drum skimmers prepared.
“As we are all stewards of the environment and equally concerned with the impacts to our shorelines, the State is jointly managing this spill to ensure that all resources and emergency response personnel are best utilized in a unified response posture,” said Randall McGimsey, a representative from the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office.
Assisting and cooperating agencies currently engaged in the clean up and recovery operations include:
- Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office;
- Department of Public Safety;
- Grand Isle Fire Department;
- Louisiana National Guard.
ES&H has been contracted to clean up the spill.
A source for the new oil has not yet been identified, and the Coast Guard is still investigating the cause of the incident.
Jesse Anderson
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Blog
