W. Lake Verette; Atchaflaya Basin, Morgan City, LA

Atchaflaya Basin, Morgan City, LA | 2001-Sep-18

Initial Notification: Due to an operator error, 1000 bbl of condensate crude (API gravity 47-48) was released from a facility in the Atchaflaya Basin some 8 miles NNW of Morgan City, Louisiana. The impacted area is a cypress swamp. Rapid response by both the company and a hired response company (Oil Mop Inc.) resulted in the "containment" of most of the spilled oil in a canal system within 0.5 miles of the facility. Oil in the containment area was greater than 0.5 inches thick in many locations. High levels of benzene forced the responders to take a defensive approach, but by the end of the day, two shallow water skimmers were working the edge of the spill. At dusk, additional boom was being moved to the site to enhance containment. Oops Inc. is on scene for company spill management. USCG district 8.