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Department of Ecology Media Advisory - February 28, 2007
07-042
Editors, news directors, reporters:
Updated information on the Songa Hua Elliott Bay oil spill is available on-line at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/songahua/songhua_main.html.
In brief:
Response teams continue this afternoon to clean up an oil spill near Pier 90 at Smith Cove in Elliott Bay. The bulk grain cargo ship Songa Hua spilled approximately 42 gallons of oil into the bay early this morning while refueling from a barge.
The United States Coast Guard and Washington State Department of Ecology are overseeing the response effort.
The Washington State Maritime Cooperative (WSMC) -- a non-profit cargo vessel owners group, representing the Songa Hua -- has hired cleanup contractors.
Three skimmers, other vessels, and shore crews are recovering oil between the Elliott Bay Marina and Pier 91.
The cause of the oil release is under investigation.
Approximately 168 gallons of Intermediate Fuel Oil escaped from an air vent on the Songa Hua, most of which remained on deck. The fuel barge crew immediately stopped refueling and set out oil spill containment boom. Ecology's recently adopted fuel-transfer rule requires such preparation for a spill emergency.
A King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter flew over the spill at first light this morning for Ecology. The Coast Guard responded with a 41-foot utility boat from Station Seattle. Coast Guard pollution investigators flew over the area at later in the morning.
All oil spills are significant, regardless of size or type. Oil is toxic to the environment, and a single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.
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Media contacts:
Lt. Cmdr. Rick Rodriguez, U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs: (206) 384-1042
Larry Altose, Department of Ecology public information, (425) 649-7009
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
