3 days ago
Investigation under way after Marianas waste oil spill
The US Coast Guard and local environmental officials have launched a coordinated response to a reported waste oil spill at Tinian Harbour.
Photo:
Supplied
The US Coast Guard and local environmental officials have launched a coordinated response to a reported waste oil spill from the US-flagged freight vessel
Mariana
at Tinian Harbor last week.
The Coast Guard said approximately 113.5 litres of waste oil was released into the harbor on 6 June.
As of Saturday morning, 7 June, the US Coast Guard reported no visible impact to shoreline areas or local wildlife.
The spill was immediately reported by the vessel's crew, who also secured the source to prevent further discharge.
The spill was contained within a set of booms and being pushed to the corner of the harbor pier by prevailing winds.
Clean-up crews deployed containment and sorbent booms in line with the Mariana's vessel response plan, and additional materials were shipped from Saipan to bolster protection efforts for Tinian's marine environment.
A marine science technician from Marine Safety Unit Saipan was on site, supervising operations to ensure compliance and environmental safety.
The US Coast Guard has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the spill and is working closely with the CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality to monitor any ongoing effects.
