Oil leaks after dredge hits pipeline in Louisiana

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard and other agencies responded to an oil discharge near Bay Long, La., on Monday.

Watch standers at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 10:09 a.m. that approximately 5,300 gallons of crude oil leaked from a pipeline owned by Harvest Pipeline Co. after it was struck by a Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. vessel that was conducting excavation operations.

The pipeline is reported as secured.

ECM Maritime Services, an oil spill response organization, has been contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to manage cleanup operations. An Incident command post is being established in Grand Isle to manage response operations.

Environmental Safety & Health has deployed approximately 3,000 feet of hard boom. OMI Environmental Solutions and Clean Gulf Association are using absorbent material and skimmers to collect the oil. The Coast Guard and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are also overseeing the response.

Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans air crews have conducted aerial assessments of the site and surrounding areas.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

By Professional Mariner Staff