CG Final Update on Port Arthur Spill
The unified response to the collision and oil spill from the tankship Eagle Otome continues. To date, more than 9,600 barrels of oil/water mixture has been recovered, evaporated or dispersed naturally of the 11,000 barrels spilled. Current response assets include 88 oil skimmers, 6 oil vacuum vehicles and 114,545 feet of containment boom. As the majority of the on-water oil has been recovered, the operation will begin to focus on shoreline clean-up and restoration. Vessel traffic and facility numbers have returned to pre-incident status. Vessel Traffic Service is managing traffic.
Bill Introduced to Require Container Scanning and E-seals
The House Committee on Homeland Security said that Representative Thompson (D-MI), the new Committee Chair, introduced the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 (H.R. 1). This lengthy measure, if enacted, would mandate various security enhancements, including strengthening of the unified incident command system; altering the biometric border entry and exit system; establishment of a border intelligence fusion center program; broadening transportation security strategic planning; increasing participation of private sector organizations in emergency preparedness and response activities; and codifying the Proliferation Security Initiative.
Arthur Kill Oil Spill Response
A Unified Incident Command (UIC) comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard (with coordination from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and Chevron Products Co. continue to respond to a crude oil spill in the Arthur Kill. The total volume of crude oil spilled is unchanged from the prior estimate of approximately 31,000 gallons. Approximately 96,000 gallons of oil-water mixture have been recovered and are currently being stored. Approximately 145,620 pounds of oil absorbents and other contaminated solids have been removed during the clean-up.
Coast Guard Updates Oil Spill Response
A Unified Incident Command (UIC) comprised of Chevron Products Co., the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) continues to respond to a crude oil spill in the Arthur Kill. • The portion of the Arthur Kill north of Woodbridge Creek has been reopened to traffic. • The total volume of the crude oil spilled is estimated to be approximately 31,000 gallons. • Chevron is managing the spill response with oversight from regulatory agencies represented within the UIC. The UIC is also coordinating with other key stakeholders in the area.
