Unified Command Formed to Oversee Clean up in Long Beach Harbor

A unified command comprised of representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) and Paramount Petroleum Corp. was formed to coordinate the recovery and clean up of oil that was released into Long Beach Harbor this morning. An estimated 100-gallons of crude oil was spilled into the water at berth C-55 in the Port of Long Beach. Contractors hired by Paramount Petroleum Corp. have responded and are currently conducting the clean up. Although the source of the original leak is still under investigation, the adjoining storm drain through which the crude oil migrated to the water has been blocked and no additional oil is entering the water. Paramount Petroleum Corp. has assumed financial responsibility of the clean up and is working with state and federal authorities to minimize the impact to the environment. Biologists from OSPR are monitoring the area. At this time there is no reported impact to fish or mammals in the area. Under the Federal Water Pollution Act assumption of financial responsibility is not an admission of fault. The actual cause of the release remains under investigation by the Coast Guard and OSPR.