Freeport Mystery Spill; Freeport, TX

Freeport, TX | 2000-Jul-19

Initial Notification: On the morning of 19 July, the NOAA SSC was notified of a mystery spill south of Freeport, TX by USCG MSU Galveston. The mystery spill is reported to be impacting approximately 8 miles of beach with a heavy concentration of tar balls (4-8' swath with 40-50% coverage). In addition, sporadic tar ball impacts have been reported from South Padre Island north including areas of the National Park and Mustang Island over the last 10 days; it is unclear if these impacts are related. NOAA has been asked to provide a hindcast trajectory to identify potential sources. At present, and for the last few weeks, the coastal currents and winds have been out of the south with transport to the north. NOAA is also responding on-scene to help coordinate response efforts. LCDR Jason Maddox is expected to arrive this evening. USCG district 8.