The motor vessel Asphalt Seminole notified Coast Guard Sector Northern New England at 7 p.m., that about 670 gallons of asphalt was released into the river while they were transferring product to the terminal.
Once in contact with the cold water, the hot asphalt solidified and formed a pancake-like material within the containment boom that was already in place around the vessel and pier, as required during transfers.
The sector dispatched a pollution investigator, a marine investigator, and a facility responder. Additionally, the South Portland Fire Department, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, National Response Corporation, and Sprague’s terminal manager responded.
Sprague contracted Clean Harbors Environmental Services to clean up the spill.
“The Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the spill,•bCrLf said Cmdr. Brian Downey, the deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. “Every effort is being made to ensure a swift clean-up with minimal impact to the environment•bCrLf
