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Department of Ecology News Release - August 22, 2005
05-213
OLYMPIA - Marinas and state parks across the state will soon be posting signs reminding boaters that "Spills aren't Slick" and that they should notify authorities if they spill oil or gas in the water.
The "Spills aren't Slick" campaign is a joint effort by Washington, California, Oregon and British Columbia to address the largest source of oil and fuel spills: recreational boaters and commercial fishermen.
Scores of leaky gaskets and filters and sloppy fueling practices cause many small spills that add up over time. In 2004, Ecology received reports of 283 spills from recreational boaters and fishing vessels, compared to 38 reports from cargo, tank and barge vessels.
"Unfortunately, the reports we receive from recreational boaters and fishermen are probably just the tip of the iceberg," said Ecology Director Jay Manning. "Many people don't know they are required to report their spills, and they don't know that it's as easy as dialing 800-OILS-911."
Manning said the main purpose of the "Spills aren't Slick" campaign is to raise awareness about the need to prevent oil and fuel spills. "Oil tankers and cargo ships are not the only spill threats in our waters," he said.
In the first phase of the campaign, more than 2,000 blue, black and white signs will be posted at public and private marinas in Washington, the majority in the Puget Sound area.
The toll-free 800-OILS-911 number will be prominently displayed. People can use it to report oil spills from British Columbia to California. The call goes directly to each state's emergency management division.
At this time, the U.S. Coast Guard still requires boaters to also call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 to report spills.
"We want to make it easier for boaters to report a spill while there's still time to minimize the damage," said Manning. "If you can't remember two numbers, just start with 800-OILS-911 and we'll help you from there."
To help prevent spills, Ecology offers the following advice:
In addition, boat motors should be tuned up and bilges checked for oil leaks before leaving the dock. An oil-absorbent roll in the bilge area will temporarily take care of any oil drips and can be used to catch any fuel before it spills into the water. The pads can be purchased at most marina supply stores.
If a spill occurs, stop the flow and warn others in the area immediately. Shut off any ignition sources, including cigarettes, and contain the spill. Then, immediately call 800-OILS-911. By law, all spills must be reported.
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Media Contact: Mary-Ellen Voss, Public Information Officer, 360-407-7211 or 360-790-7491 (cell)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
