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Department of Ecology News Release - March 3, 2010
10-043
3:30 p.m. Release # 2
BELLINGHAM – The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) was unable to trace a diesel fuel spill near Boulevard Park to its source.
Ecology spill responders determined the fuel is not from tug boats or barges at anchor in Bellingham Bay.
Ecology learned through interviews with witnesses that the sheen was visible in the bay since morning. The spill was reported to Ecology about 12:45 p.m. by kayakers in the area.
A half-mile-long patchy, silvery sheen stretches along the shore from Taylor Dock at the south end of the park to the north end of the park. The fuel has formed a film too thin to clean up. Much of it is expected to evaporate.
Park visitors and boaters should avoid contact with the fuel.
Oil spilled in water forms oily patches that spread out quickly. Small amounts of oil can create slicks or sheens that cover many acres of the water’s surface.
Whenever oil enters the environment, damage occurs. Ecology asks commercial and recreational boaters to be careful when fueling their boats, and reminds boaters that pumping oily bilge water overboard is illegal and damages the environment.
Report all spills. For information about how to report a spill, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/other/reportaspill.htm#call.
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Media Contacts:
Katie J. Skipper, Department of Ecology communications manager; phone 360-715-5205(office), 360-510-0682 (cell)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
