Neah Bay Waste Oil Spill; Neah Bay, Washington

Neah Bay, Washington | 1997-Mar-18

Initial Notification: On March 14, 1997, a heavy oil sheen was observed in Neah Bay. Neah Bay is part of the Makah Tribal Reservation at Cape Flattery, Washington. An abandoned tank on the shoreline was the apparent source of the spill. Up to 150 gallons of waste oil appeared to have leaked slowly over time through a defective seal in the tank's valve. The defective tank valve was sealed and the tank removed. A boom was placed along the shoreline to contain the sheen and the site was monitored over the weekend. Oil was still observed to be leaching from the riprap four days later. On March 18 the USCG MSO requested the NOAA SSC to report on-scene to help assess the environmental threat posed by the continuing release and develop recommendations for any additional cleanup and/or remediation. USCG district 13. Keyword: boom, riprap, sorbent.