NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is scheduled to oversee an in-situ burn for a crude oil discharge near New Orleans in the next 24-48 hours.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report of a discharge of crude oil from South Pass 24 platform approximately six miles south of Pilottown in the SouthWest Pass, Louisiana Tuesday, according to a release from the Coast Guard.
The current discharge is estimated to be 1,600-2,100 gallons.
The incident was discovered after a pressure test failed, identifying a flow line leak. Investigators say the source is now secured and containment boom was deployed to prevent further spread of oil.
The responsible party, Texas Petroleum Investment Company, has hired T&T Salvage and Marine Fire Fighting Company to conduct an in-situ burn, the release states. The burn will take place within the next 24-48 hours based on the conducive weather window.
There are no reports or observed impacts to wildlife at this time.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have been actively engaged.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans remains on scene and actively engaged for oversight and safety.
In-situ burning involves the controlled burning of discharged oil. It is one of several response options aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Involved in the response are:
- Coast Guard Sector New Orleans
- Texas Petroleum Investment Company
- Forefront Emergency Management
- OMI Environmental Services
- T&T Salvage
- Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
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