Texas Mystery Slick; 65 miles off the Texas coast

65 miles off the Texas coast | 1998-Apr-01

Initial Notification: n the afternoon of 01April98 NOAA Hazmat was contacted by USCG MSU Galveston. They relayed that three large sheens had been reported 65 miles off the Texas coast. Seattle Hazmat, MASS personnel researched the coastal currents and weather forecast. The slicks were determined to be no immediate threat to the coast, however, depending upon their exact nature (size, thickness and composition), on-shore winds, and forecast for the next two days, it could increase the chances of impact. As of 1100CST, 02April98, overflights have failed to detect any sign of the slicks. The extremely light nature of the sheens and lack of any potential sources within several miles have lead responders to believe that the slicks may have been the result of oily bilge water discharge and most likely have they dissipated. The NOAA HAZMAT's New Orleans SSC has been in contact with the MSU and is available should any sign of the sheens be located. Point of contact: NOAA HAZMAT SSC LTJG Todd Bridgeman New Orleans, LA USCG district 8.