Barge Z-62; Empire, Louisiana

Empire, Louisiana | 1991-Aug-14

Initial Notification: NOAA was notified of the incident on August 14, 1991, by the FOSC who requested that the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) attend all meetings pertaining to the removal of the barges and provide scientific support throughout the operation. A NOAA technical support team reported on-scene to assist the SSC. The NOAA support team surveyed the site and collected five water column samples and five shoreline samples for analysis. NOAA reported that there are many species of birds, fish, snakes, and mammals in the area, as well as alligators. NOAA recommended that the spartina not be cut. The SSC told the FOSC that the pollutants should not spread rapidly because of the location of the barges, the shape of the cut, and the fact that the wind is the primary influence over the localized currents. NOAA recommended using a bubble curtain if a water-soluble product was released into the water column. NOAA suggested containing all the product within the far end of the canal in which the barges were located. In addition, four paddle-wheel aerators should be placed diagonally across from each other to generate a circular current within the containment area. NOAA also recommended damming the cut where the barges were located. If polychlorinated biphenyls or Aroclor were onboard the barges, as suspected, removing sediments could be necessary in the event of a major release. There probably was a spill of around 300 gallons from the Z-62 barge. According to chemistry analyses from the site, there were at least three different types of oils in the sediment. The water column was clean. Samples of the barge's product are being analyzed. It will not be possible to determine the extent of the spill on the area until the analyses of these samples are completed and compared to the sediment samples. The disposal of these barges is an ongoing effort and has been halted due to a lack of funds. Efforts are being made to acquire funding through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. To date, all requests have been rejected for the funds needed to complete this cleanup. USCG district 8.