TACOMA, Wash. – Under the cover of gray skies, the massive response by the Department of Ecology and the U.S. Coast Guard continues on southern Puget Sound waters and beaches.

The origin of the spill remains under investigation.  Samples of the spilled substance are being examined and compared to vessels that passed through the now contaminated section of Puget Sound.

It is estimated that 15 miles of shoreline have been affected with a light sheen of oil, while six miles of shoreline have been affected with a heavier sheen of oil.

Light sheen extends from the Tacoma Narrows along western shore of Colvos Passage as far as the Olalla Bay area, as well as in the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor and part of the east side of Maury Island.   Skimmers are working on thicker patches of oil along the southern edges of Vashon and Maury islands and isolated patches in Dalco Passage, between Yukon Bay and Blake Island, and southeast of Robinson Point on Maury Island.

At this time, 4,700 gallons of oily water has been recovered.  Oily water is predominantly composed of water with some oil product.

Current assets include 14 spill response vessels, 21 workboats, 10 skimmers and three helicopters.  There are currently 238 people involved in the clean up.  While volunteers are appreciated, concerns over safety and qualifications dictate the lack of need for them at this time.

These workers have deployed approximately 18,800-feet of boom and approximately 2,500-feet of absorbent boom.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is inspecting the area to assess the effect the spill is having on birds and animals and is responding to reports from the public regarding sightings of oiled birds.  At this time, no oiled birds or other wildlife have been taken into custody for treatment.

The public is asked to continue to report signs of oiled wildlife at 1-800-22-BIRDS.  It is also requested that the public keep their distance from oiled wildlife to reduce the amount of stress on the animals. Capturing oiled wildlife poses a safety threat to the public and to wildlife.

In order to provide immediate response to the news media and the general public regarding the oil spill, a Joint Information Center (JIC) has been established in conjunction with the spill’s unified command center.

All media calls regarding the status of the spill response effort will be handled through the JIC.  The phone number is (253) 591-5960.  The JIC and unified command post are located at the Tacoma Fire Department Training Center, 2124 Marshall Avenue, Tacoma, Wash.

A news conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today at the command post.

It has been requested for the media to prominently post these phone numbers for public knowledge:

Damage Claims- 1-800-280-7118

Oiled Wildlife- 1-800-22-BIRDS