Oil Spill Response Update

"248-P2"
For Immediate Release
Contact: Joint Information Center, 206-546-7162
January 4, 2004
1:45 p.m. Release #11

Spill Cleanup Continues to Progress (Status Report as of Jan. 4, 2004)

POINT WELLS, Wash. - Oil spill response officials reported that cleanup efforts along the shoreline from Point Jefferson to Indianola continue to show good progress. About 70 workers continued booming operations and removing oily debris from the impacted area.

Beach crews continue to walk the shoreline looking for areas that may have been oiled in recent days by tidal activity, which can move oil from one location and redeposit it in another. Once identified, these areas are addressed immediately by cleanup workers. The primary cleanup method along the rocky shoreline continues to be use of pom-pom booms working with the tide to scrub rocks and crevices. Cleanup workers are also using absorbents to soak up oil in areas where it has concentrated. 

The clean up methods being used are both effective and appropriate for the sensitive wetland area that is being cleaned. All cleanup strategies are being carried out in consultation and cooperation with the Suquamish Tribe. Response officials also stated that there was no sheen in the area. As a result, three Clean Sound vessels, originally slated to work at the site, remained at the dock and were placed on standby.

Worker Safety Precautions
Making sure that cleanup crews have the necessary clothing and equipment to operate in the cold conditions has been a priority of response team leaders.  Trailers with heaters have been positioned at staging areas near the cleanup site, enabling workers to periodically warm themselves. No major injuries related to the response or weather conditions have been reported.

Bird/Wildlife Update
The bird count is as follows:
" Four birds recovered
" Two birds continue to receive care (one western grebe and one horned grebe)
" Two birds have died (one sea gull, which was euthanized and one redneck grebe)
Plans to wash one of the birds today were delayed due to freezing of water pipes in the main mobile recovery trailer. Wildlife responders report that the washing may be moved to another location. More information will be provided later.

Wildlife officials also report that no whales have been seen in the vicinity of the cleanup area. Helicopter over-flights are conducted daily and wildlife experts believe they would have seen whale pods if they were in the area.

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Information numbers:
Injured Wildlife reporting line: 1-800-22BIRDS
News Media Only: 206-546-7162