An oil and gas mixture release was discovered in a marsh environment near the operators Garden Island Bay Production Facility company’s well in Plaquemines Parish, southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana, the US Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO) and the operator, which is identified as the responsible party, have set up a Unified Command to manage the response.
“An overflight by an LOSCO aircrew confirmed the presence of crude oil,” the Coast Guard confirmed in its statement.
Meanwhile, the operator has activated its approved emergency oil spill response plan.
The operator has also organized response resources through Forefront Emergency Management and local Oil Spill Removal Organizations including Environmental Safety & Health Consulting Services, Inc. and Clean Gulf Associates.
Officials said daily overflight assessments are planned to monitor the situation.
There have been no reports of injuries, or wildlife impacts, whilst the cause of the incident is under investigation.
The Unified Command is coordinating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Forefront Emergency Management and other federal, state and local agencies to ensure the safety of the public and respond to the incident.
Mariners who spot oil are asked to call the Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center.
Reports of impacted wildlife should go to the Wildlife Hotline phone number.
