NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The unified command overseeing the response to a grounded vessel near Dillon Beach in Marin County has declared an end to emergency oil pollution response operations.
The American Challenger grounded early on the morning of March 6. The 90-foot vessel was being towed by the Tug Hunter from Puget Sound, Washington, when the Tug Hunter lost propulsion due to a rope entangling the propeller.
Officials said Monday that oversight for the next response phase will shift to a coalition of agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.
The coalition will focus on addressing the longer-term pollution threat and additional environmental concerns from the American Challenger, as well as determining the ultimate fate of the vessel.
The initial emergency oil pollution response efforts are scheduled to conclude at the end of the week when all the boom has been removed from Tomales Bay.
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary will continue to monitor the coast for evidence of impacts from the grounding and oil spill with regular and enhanced Beach Watch surveys.
The sanctuary will also continue to coordinate in other ways with agencies involved in this incident.
There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926.
More information on this response can be found at https://calspillwatch.wordpress.com/tag/american-challenger-incident.
Coalition of agencies to address American Challenger environmental concerns
- Lake County News reports
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