Damaged/Leaking 55-gallon Drum, Shishmaref, AK

Chukchi Sea | 2023-Jun-02

Initial Notification: On 28-May 2023, a damaged 55 gallon drum was discovered leaking a "black oily substance" on the coastline of a barrier island located 20 NM SW of Shishmaref, AK. The drum is suspected to have been damaged by a polar bear, but this is unconfirmed. On 2-Jun 2023, Sector Anchorage contacted NOAA Alaska aSSC to initiate an Emergency ESA Section 7 Consultation for cleanup operations.