Limited sorbent boom was deployed at the scene, and protective boom was placed near a nearby hatchery as a precautionary measure following the Sea Ern grounding, which occurred on Monday, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which is providing oversight along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
DEC officials identified the source of the spill as a 12-foot by 1-foot gash in the vessel’s bow, which damaged two fuel tanks. The 120-foot Sea Ern has an estimated 16,290-gallon fuel capacity, with 12,790 gallons remaining on board. The remaining tanks and hull appear to be undamaged, and the valves are closed. An additional 300 gallons of other oils and lubricants are also on board.
The presence of a fuel sheen in the area on Monday led the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to close commercial salmon fishing in the Outer Kitol Bay and Izhut Bay sections of the Afognak District until further notice.
The responsible party for the U.S.-registered Sea Ern contacted the Alaska Chadux Network, which was en route from Kodiak to the spill site on Wednesday, said Anna Carey, environmental program manager for the DEC’s Central Alaska Region. Protecting the hatchery is a priority for responders.
Carey said no reports had been received of impacts to wildlife from the diesel spill.
The cause of the grounding is unknown, and further information about the Sea Ern and the fishery it was engaged in was not immediately available.
Diesel fuel does not readily break down and can linger in the environment, contaminating soil and groundwater. Such contamination can migrate, affecting areas far beyond the initial spill site and posing risks to sensitive ecosystems and potential drinking water sources.
Source: nationalfisherman
