ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard has completed its cleanup operations in the Smith Canal oil spill and is now transferring federal responsibility to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lead the remaining recovery efforts.
The Coast Guard’s on-water petroleum removal operations began September 28 with the report of an oil burner being improperly disposed of in the Smith Canal with a potential of 380 gallons of petroleum product released into the environment.
The National Pollution Fund Center is accepting written claims for costs occurred from the Smith Canal Oil Spill. Claimants may call at 1-800-280-7118 for more information, office hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST, Mon.-Fri., except holidays.
The Coast Guard with federal, state, and local agencies will provide any necessary support throughout the investigation in the next phase of the operation.
No observations of oiled wildlife have been reported at this time, nor impacts to sensitive sites. For your safety and the safety of the animals do not attempt to capture oiled animals. Report any oiled wildlife to 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926). Note that this number is not an informational or volunteer hotline.
Media inquiries can be directed to EPA Press Officer Michael Brogan at brogan.michael@epa.gov.
Previous news releases about the Smith Canal response can be found here 11th District Pacific Southwest (uscg.mil)