STEUART PETROLEUM PIPELINE; St. Marys, MD

St. Marys, MD | 1990-Nov-18

Initial Notification: At about 2200 EST on 17 November, a release of between 1000 and 2000 bbl of asphalt slux occured from a pipeline at the Steuart Petroleum barge loading facility located at the mouth of Piney Point Creek, Potomac River, near St. Marys, MD (NOAA chart 12233). The product spilled was originally thought to be an ethyl based cutter stock, but persistant efforts by Ken Carney of LSU enabled him to determine the actual product by 0300, 18 November. Pour point of the asphalt slux is between 40 50 degrees F. and it is neutrally buoyant in water. SSC Gary Ott was notified at 0200 18 November. At about 1030, on a commercial overflight, he observed no oil outside th mouth of Piney Point Creek. He arrived on-scene at 1530, 18 November. About 200 yards of the SE side of Piney Point Creek is oiled to a maximum width of 40 yards. The wind is presently holding the asphalt against the shoreline and boom against the asphalt. Boom has also been placed at the pipeline break and at the mouth of Piney Point Creek. USCG district 1.