On the afternoon of February 18, 2016, we received reports of an oil slick on the Columbia River near Kalama, WA, caused by a spill from the bulk carrier NORD AUCKLAND. The vessel spilled an estimated 80 gallons of waste oil during an internal oil transfer, and no additional discharges are expected. At 3:45pm, Washington Department of Ecology estimated that the oil slick was 45 feet wide by one-half to three-quarters a mile long, with oil streamers stretching from Fisher Island to Puget Island (~10 miles).
Statement from Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper:
"Eighty gallons created a ten mile slick and threatens fish and wildlife. We encourage Washington and the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a thorough cleanup, and we thank the first responders for their efforts. And this spill is a warning for state leaders considering whether to permit the Tesoro Savage oil terminal, which would bring millions of gallons down the Columbia River every year."
Images of Oil Spill on the Columbia River near Kalama, WA:
About NORD AUCKLAND via Vessel Finder and Marine Traffic.
We're collecting information on the impacts of this spill. If you find oil, or impacted fish and wildlife on the Columbia River, please send photographs and contact us: info@columbiariverkeeper.org, 541.387.3030.
