Fuel spills into Kill Van Kull during transfer between two barges

The following is the text of two press releases issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

(NEW YORK) – The Coast Guard continues its response to a fuel spill near Mariner’s Harbor, Staten Island, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2012. The National Response Center notified the Coast Guard of the incident, which took place at Mays Ship Repair. It was reported that the spill came from the barge, Boston No. 30, due to a leak from its cargo tank. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta H. Disco.

The National Response Center notified the Coast Guard of the incident, which took place at Mays Ship Repair at 11:22 p.m., Friday, December 14. It was reported that the spill came from the barge, Boston No. 30, due to a leak from its cargo tank.

The responsible party, Boston Marine Transport Inc., reported product was being transferred from Barge Boston No. 30 to Barge DBL 25, when personnel on scene noticed product was entering the water between the two barges. Boston Marine Transport Inc. personnel then applied containment boom around the two barges.

  • Upon investigation, the source of the fuel spill was isolated to the #2 port tank of Boston No. 30, which was carrying 112,000 gallons. Boston Marine Transport Inc. personnel are conducting soundings in the barge tanks to determine the actual amount of fuel spilled into the water.
  • Boston Marine Transport Inc. has contracted an oil spill clean-up organization that has placed additional containment boom and absorbent material around the two barges. Further cleanup efforts in affected areas are also underway.
  • Sector New York pollution responders, along with several personnel from local and state agencies are currently working to mitigate the spill’s impacts on the economy, the environment and public health.
  • On water recovery forces: four skimmers operating, three more skimmers are en route, two shallow water barges, two more en route.  Shoreline protection; 10,000 feet of boom deployed, 13,600 en route.
  • Both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are actively involved in the spill response and mitigation effort.
  • A broadcast notice to mariners is in place advising mariners to transit the area with caution due to pollution. All waterways remain open.
  • Gallagher Marine has established a temporary phone number for vessel owners to call to report oiled vessels. Please call 703-683-4700 to make a report.

 

An updated press release:

The following updates are available following the Boston Marine Transport Inc., incident which took place at Mays Ship Repair at 11:22 p.m., Friday, December 14.

  • Upon investigation, the source of the fuel spill was isolated to the #2 port tank of Boston No. 30, which was carrying a max capacity of 112,000 gallons. Personnel are conducting soundings in the barge tanks to determine the actual amount of fuel spilled into the water.
  • USCG Sector New York pollution responders, along with several personnel from local and state agencies are currently working to mitigate the spill’s impacts.
  • There is currently boom around the barge. Boom has been deployed at Shooter's Island and Mays Shipyard and deployed along Kill Van Kull Waterway. 
  • Gallagher Marine Systems, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation and New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection have sent representatives to join Coast Guard Sector New York's  Unified Command as well as deploying staff in the field to respond to this event.
  • A broadcast notice to mariners is in place advising mariners to transit the area with caution due to pollution. All waterways remain open.
  • The Unified Command has established a Joint Information Center where the public can report oiled wildlife and vessel owners can report oiled vessels. Please call 800-733-6175 to make a report.
  • Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is responding to reports of affected wildlife.

 

 

Click here to view photos of the cleanup operation.

By Professional Mariner Staff