  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - August 18, 2008
08-234
OLYMPIA – The multi-agency response to a reported oil spill in the Thea Foss waterway is wrapping up.
The Washington Department of Ecology, Coast Guard, Tacoma Fire Department and Tacoma Public Works Department have been on the scene since early this morning. Ecology was first notified at 6:46 a.m.
Investigators from the agencies believe the bilge pump on the recreational vessel Overbudget spilled an estimated 50 to100 gallons of diesel fuel while tied up at Tacoma’s Dock Street Marina, 1816 Dock St. The exact cause is still under investigation.
By the time responders arrived, most of the spilled diesel had already dissipated and could not be recovered. But as a precaution, the fire department laid out 800 feet of containment boom and placed absorbent materials in the water to capture any pockets of diesel.
Tacoma Fire Department sent a fire engine, their Hazardous Materials team and fire boat to the scene. Tacoma Public Works personnel also responded. The boat’s owner hired contractor NRC Environmental Services to clean up the spill.
Local, state and federal response agencies and NRC Environmental Services spent the morning:
Ecology’s responders say the sheen will continue to break down today but may still be visible.
All oil spills cause environmental damage, regardless of size. Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil hits water. A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.
###
Contacts:
Kim Schmanke, Department of Ecology media relations, 360-407-6239; cell 360-791-9830
Jolene Davis, Deputy, Chief Tacoma Fire Department, cell 253-255-4861
Robert McNair-Huff, City of Tacoma media relations, 253-591-5054; cell 253-905-1010
Kelly Parker, Coast Guard media relations, 206-220-7244; cell 206-437-9482
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
