DALCO PASSAGE SPILL

Joint Information Center

2124 E. Marshall Ave.

Tacoma, Wash.

(253) 591-5960

Date: Oct. 16, 2004

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2004
2 p.m.  Release #6

Status report of Dalco Passage spill
The following provides updated information about the oil spill that occurred at Dalco Passage near Commencement Bay at about 1 a.m. Oct. 14, 2004.

Update information:
Location: Oil sheen has been observed today as far north as Port Blakely and Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. To the south, oil has been observed at the sound end of Vashon and Maury islands. The southern beaches of Vashon and Maury islands and Quartermaster Harbor received the heaviest concentrations of oil.

Status of cleanup:                                            Professional spill response personnel continue to do everything possible to recover the oil and minimize damage to the environment. Wind, weather and tides have spread the oil. A primary goal of the incident command is to ensure the safety of citizens and response personnel. This is a coordinated effort between state, local and federal agencies. Responders are working to minimize economic affects of the spill. An investigation to determine the responsible party is ongoing and progressing.

Type of oil: Oil product unknown

Amount of oil: Estimated 1,000 gallons

Responsible Party: Unknown

Cause or source of the spill: Unknown

Resources at risk: There are several eelgrass beds, shallow sub tidal areas, baitfish spawning beaches, and salt marsh habitats in the area. This is a major feeding area for birds, however at this time bird concentrations are lower than usual.

Oiled wildlife: One grebe and one duck are being treated by state Fish and Wildlife experts.

Weather/seas:  Weather is moderate. It’s been raining. Winds are from the southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.

Air quality: Air monitoring has shown no detectable levels of toxic vapors.  Diesel odors have been reported in areas where oil has accumulated.

Organizations involved: U.S. Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, National Oceanic Atmospheric Association, U. S. Navy, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Tacoma Fire Department

Spill Response Equipment Status
The following is a listing of the people, equipment and resources that are being used in responding to the Dalco Passage spill (as of 10/16/04):
Personnel: 158 people in the field, 73 in command post

Injuries: All cleanup and emergency response personnel are safe and accounted for; no injuries have been sustained.

Response vessels deployed: 32
Boom deployed: 18,800 feet
Vacuum trucks: 3
Helicopters: 2

Oil recovered:  4,928 gallons of oily water has been recovered; 1.4 tons of oily solids have been collected.

The Joint Information Center and Unified Command are located at Tacoma Fire Department Training Center, 2124 Marshall Avenue, Tacoma, Wash.

Information numbers: 
 

Injured wildlife reporting line: 1-800-22BIRDS (222-4737)

Damage Claims: 1-800-280-7118
 

News Media Only: (253) 591-5960

Web site information:  www.ecy.wa.gov and select Dalco Passage oil spill
 

###