Update: Coast Guard responds to fuel oil discharge near Norco, Louisiana

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008 Eighth District online newsroom April 23, 2018

Update: Coast Guard responds to fuel oil discharge near Norco, Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – A unified command consisting of the Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Iver Ships is continuing its response to a heavy fuel oil discharge from the foreign flagged vessel Iver Exporter near Norco, Louisiana, Monday.

An updated estimate of 1,400 gallons of fuel oil was discharged into the river; less than the previously reported 2,600 gallons. The source of the discharge is secured and the vessel is currently moored at the Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex.

The Unified Command conducted overflights, on-water and shoreline assessments and found shoreline impact from mile marker 126 to 122. At present, the Unified Command has deployed 40 people and six vessels in response to the incident.

Air monitoring is being conducted along the impacted region, and air quality remains safe.

There are no reports of injuries or wildlife impacts due to the incident.

There are no waterway closures due to the incident and the Unified Command is preparing for Tuesday’s clean-up efforts.

For questions related to the Iver Exporter, please call 845-721-0802.

For claims related to the incident, including vessel decontamination, please call 504-585-7000.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

-USCG-