An oil and natural gas spill near the Pass a Loutre area in coastal Louisiana has led to a large-scale emergency response.
The spill began last weekend at a well located near the Garden Island Bay Production Facility, a known oil collection point in the Mississippi Delta.
As of 11:00 am, more than 170 personnel have been mobilised under a Unified Command structure to handle the situation.
The command team includes the US Coast Guard, Spectrum OpCo, LLC- the operator of the well-and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO).
Their joint efforts aim to reduce environmental damage and ensure public safety.
A range of specialised equipment is being used in the operation. This includes 6 MARCO skimmers and 6 drum skimmers, along with other oil recovery tools and storage gear.
Containment boom continues to be deployed around the affected area. So far, 10,800 feet of 18-inch boom has been laid down, with another 3,200 feet ready for use.
382 bales of absorbent boom have also been set up to protect surrounding islands.
Oil Spill Removal Organisations involved in the response have recovered about 23,268 gallons of an oily water mixture from the water.
However, the exact amount of oil discharged from the well remains unknown at this time. Efforts to control the source are underway.
A well control contractor is currently on scene working on source intervention, while more equipment is on the way. The teams are actively updating and refining their plans to safely shut in the well and stop the release.
A safety zone has been established around the spill site to ensure safety for the public and responders. People are advised to stay away from the area. A temporary flight restriction is also in effect within a two-mile radius, up to 2,000 feet above the ground.
Drone and helicopter overflights are being carried out regularly to monitor the situation. So far, air quality tests have not shown any immediate hazards in the area.
There have been no injuries or reports of impacted wildlife so far. The location of the spill is far from the Mississippi River’s main shipping channel, which is why marine traffic has not been affected.
Authorities are encouraging mariners to report any oil sightings to the National Response Centre at 800-424-8802. Anyone spotting wildlife affected by the spill should call the Wildlife Hotline at 832-514-9663.
Captain Gregory Callaghan, the Coast Guard’s Federal On-Scene Coordinator, stated through a release that public and responder safety is the top priority.
According to him, the Unified Command is working around the clock to contain the source as soon and safely as possible.
Reference: USCG
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