Oil leak containment efforts in Lindbergh Bay led by the U.S. Coast Guard with help from the V.I. Water and Power Authority. By. U.S. COAST GUARD
Authorities are still working to clean up a major diesel fuel spill from the Randolph Harley Power Plant last October, a new report disclosed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Response and Restoration is currently collaborating with the United States Coast Guard to lead the clean-up efforts.
In a statement released on Monday, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) said that the original estimate of 33,600 gallons of diesel spilled has been revised upwards to over 50,000 gallons lost from the Water and Power Authority’s tank #11 at the plant.
Since October, OR&R's Scientific Support Coordinator has conducted a preliminary assessment of the spill's potential impact on adjacent waterways and identified resources at risk in Lindbergh Bay and Krum Bay.
The USCG Federal On-Scene Coordinator Jose Díaz has requested NOAA's continued support for the ongoing response, OR&R said. The initial assessment phase is expected to last about three months, with additional actions anticipated beyond that to meet regulatory and environmental requirements. This is a long-term and complex response which includes several phases and matters that are being resolved with [WAPA] to ensure the most diligent and effective clean-up of the site,” said Captain Díaz.
Collaboration with local government agencies, stakeholders, and partner organizations such as the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others, is ongoing.
Presently, clean-up operations are focused on recovering subsurface diesel material along hillsides leading to Lindbergh Bay and Krum Bay, as well as the affected coastal area of Lindbergh Bay. Techniques such as irrigation tactics are being employed to move the diesel to collection points for recovery. Consultants are utilizing LiDAR technology for sub-surface site assessment and plume modeling to guide recovery strategies.
A re-evaluation of potentially affected resources under the Endangered Species Act is also underway to ensure the protection of sea life and natural habitats in Lindbergh and Krum Bays. While no signs of affected wildlife have been reported, monitoring efforts continue.
Lessons learned from a similar spill response in Florida are being applied to this incident, aiding in the development of effective strategies for addressing the current situation, OR&R said.The clean-up operation remains a priority as authorities work towards restoring the affected areas and mitigating environmental impact.
