Unified Command Responds to NY Oil Spill

A Unified Command comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and Penn Maritime Inc. continue to respond to a #6 fuel oil spill that occurred Oct. 14, 2006. The amount of oil spilled is unknown but is estimated to be as much as 800 gallons. The spill occurred on the deck of the barge P-120 owned by Penn Maritime Inc. berthed on the south side of the ConocoPhillips offshore platform located approximately one mile from the north shore of Long Island. The spill was stopped and containment boom was immediately deployed around the barge upon discovery. Adverse weather conditions are believed to have contributed to the impact of the oil spill. Penn Maritime Inc. and ConocoPhillips are fully cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard and the NYSDEC. Miller Environmental Group has been contracted to clean-up the oil that has reached the shoreline extending two miles east of Pier Ave. in Riverhead. Tar balls the size of a quarter to 12 inches in diameter have been discovered and are being removed from the shoreline. Most of the oil that has impacted the shoreline at the high water line measures 6 to 12 inches in width with the largest impacted area measuring 8 feet in width. Approximately 24 gulls have been lightly oiled and are being monitored by the NYSDEC. More than 100 personnel are engaged in clean-up and monitoring operations of the shoreline and the barge. The Unified Command will continue to supervise the clean-up efforts until operations are complete. No injuries to the barge crew or responders have been reported. The cause of the spill is under investigation.