Barge Z-62; Empire, LA

Empire, LA | 1991-Aug-14

Initial Notification: LOCATION- Empire, LA. (approx. 29-23' N, 89-35'W) PRODUCT- Assortment of chemicals, majority have not been identified as of yet. Analysis of samples taken in March 1991 indicates presence of xylene, benzene, acetone, cresols, pentachlorophenol,1,1-dichlorothane, styrene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, TCE, and other carcinogenic compounds. Compounds are creating an explosive atmosphere above the deck of the barge. . VESSELS INVOLVED- Two (2) barges,Z-62 and Ingalls I. Z-62 appears to currently be leaking chemicals into the waterway and chemicals are laying on the deck. . POTENTIAL RELEASE- Est. 12,000 bbl. on board the Z-62. Quantity on board Ingalls I not declared. . AMOUNT SPILLED- Est. 300 gallons confined to sheltered waterway. Contamination of adjacent shoreline likely as evidenced by dead birds, finfish, and shellfish. . CLEANUP PARTICIPANTS- USCG: OSC is COTP New Orleans Jim Calhoun (504) 589-6196 OSCR is Ltjg. Tony Morris (504) 589-4218 . Riedel Peterson (cleanup contractor): Herman Newell (504) 254-3600 . ACTION TAKEN- LASSC requested RAR from RPI at 1530 CT. RAR retrieved from NOAA PRIME at 1630. RAR FAX'ed to CDR Cooper at MSO New Orleans at 1700. SSC attended meeting at MSO New Orleans with EPA, state reps, parish reps, and cleanup contractor. Cleanup contractor states that it will present a cleanup plan once it has background data including resource and chemical information from NOAA SSC. USCG district 8.