Coat Guard Responds to Oil Spill

The Coast Guard is responding to an oil spill at the Chevron Perth Amboy facility, in Perth Amboy, N.J., that was reported yesterday, February 13. The spill occurred during a transfer of approximately 1.5 million gallons of number six heavy fuel oil from a barge to the facility. It is unknown how much of the product entered the water. A New York Police Department over-flight confirmed the spill stretching from the Chevron facility to Smoking Point, Staten Island, in the Arthur Kill. Chevron Perth Amboy has assumed responsibility for the spill and has contracted Clean Harbors and Atlantic Response to help with the cleanup. The Coast Guard has setup a safety zone from the Outer Bridge Crossing to Fresh Kills, Staten Island, to contain the spread of the spill. This area is closed to vessel traffic. Coast Guard investigators from Sector New York are on-scene overseeing the response.