Oil Spill Response Update

“248-P2”

For Immediate Release

Contact: Joint Information Center, 206-546-7162

January 2, 2004

12:00 p.m. Release #9

Spill Status Report as of Jan. 2, 2004

Oil Cleanup Continues

POINT WELLS, Wash. - Cleanup crews today are continuing to focus on the most affected shoreline areas between Indianola and Point Jefferson. A 70-person cleanup crew is cleaning oil form the shore. An over-flight of the area this morning showed a substantial reduction in the amount of sheen off the shoreline and in the Doe-Keg-Wats Marsh.  Response team leaders called yesterday’s cleanup activities highly productive. 

In addition to shoreline cleanup work crews, other special cleanup methods are being used in more sensitive areas.  In shellfish beds special boom has been placed which absorbs the oil using tidal action without disturbing the shellfish beds. 

Crews are also monitoring boom protecting other sensitive areas in and around the Port Madison area. Skimmer vessels will also patrol the shoreline to recover sheen caused by tidal action in the heaviest impacted areas.

Shoreline assessment experts will also continue to assess shoreline impacts in the Port Madison area.

The search for oiled birds and wildlife will continue.  As of this morning two oiled birds have been recovered and are under care at mobile rehabilitation units at Point Wells.  Two other injured birds have been recovered but their injuries were not spill related. One was dead and one was put-to-sleep due to a broken wing. One seal pup was recovered but later died.

Representatives from the Suquamish Tribe have been working with the US Coast Guard, Department of Ecology (DOE) and Foss as part of the unified command since the early stages of the response. In coordination with the tribe, significant cultural and historic tribal areas were pre-identified prior to shoreline cleanup so they would not be impacted by the operations.

Coast Guard, DOE and Foss Maritime officials will meet with the tribe council next week to discuss further plans for cleanup.

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Information numbers:

Injured Wildlife reporting line: 1-800-22BIRDS

News Media Only: 206-546-7162