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Background
Responsible Party: Foss Maritime Company, the barge owner. (This designation means the company is taking a responsibility for the clean-up, but does not indicate legal liability.) Cause or source of the spill: The cause of the spill is under investigation. The spill happened as oil was being loaded into the barge. Vessel involved: Tank barge Foss 248-P2 Closures or restrictions: The Washington Department of Health has closed shellfish harvesting between Miller Bay and Point Jefferson, except for commercial geoduck harvesting. Click here for more information. Injuries: None reported Organizations involved: U.S. Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology, Foss Maritime Company, ChevronTexaco Corporation, National Response Corporation, Marine Spill Response Corporation, Clean Sound Cooperative, Global Diving and Salvage, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suquamish Tribe, International Bird Rescue and Research Center, Progressive Animal Welfare Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kitsap County, Washington Department of Health, Kitsap County Health District. Wildlife recovery and treatment: The two birds under care of the Progressive Animal Welfare Society Wildlife Center in Lynnwood have been returned to the wild. A horned grebe, found oiled at the Kingston Marina Jan. 2, was released in Edmonds on Jan. 13. A western grebe, found Jan. 1 at Edmonds Ferry Dock Park was released Jan. 21. Wildlife professionals and trained volunteers have recovered a total of 12 birds, five alive and seven dead. Three of the live birds died after capture. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is evaluating the cause of the deaths. Search teams have been demobilized, but can respond to oiled wildlife reports as needed. People who find oiled, sick or injured birds or animals should not approach or touch the animal. Please call 1-800-22BIRDS to report oiled or injured wildlife. To report oil: Anyone finding oil on the beach after the clean-up crews have left the area should call the Washington State Department of Emergency Management at 1-800-258-5990. |