Coast Guard, Mass DEP respond to oil spill in New Bedford

News Release

Feb. 23, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast Contact: 1st District Public Affairs Office: (617) 223-8515 After Hours: (617) 717-9609

Coast Guard, Mass DEP respond to oil spill in New Bedford

 

BOSTON — Coast Guard and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection crews responded Thursday to an oil spill in New Bedford Harbor in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England's Command Center received a report from the National Response Center reporting an oil spill pushing up against the docks and other fishing vessels at Leonard's Wharf.

 

Coast Guard crews and Mass DEP first responders arrived on-scene to investigate, but could not determine the source. A local oil spill removal organization was contracted to conduct the clean up.

 

Samples of the spilled oil from the water were taken, as well as samples from the bilges of several nearby fishing vessels. These samples will be sent to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab for analysis and comparison.

 

"Two drums worth of waste were recovered from the marine environment," said Lieutenant Lynn Schrayshuen, Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment New Bedford supervisor. "We are appreciative of the team effort from local industry and response agencies," she said. 

 

Schrayshuen said members of the community are encouraged to report any spills and sheens to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

 

-USCG-