Update: San Francisco Bay Oil Spill Clean Up is Underway
Last Friday, we posted a breaking news article on an oil spill that occurred in the San Francisco Bay. At the time, we did not have many details of the spill available to us, but now we have up-to-date information on what’s been going on.
Image source: Kurt Rogers / San Francisco Chronicle-AP
The spill occurred Friday morning, during a fuel transfer between the Dubai Star and a barge. The spill—which was between 400 and 800 gallons—can be contributed to a mechanical failure of the Star’s transfer system. The ship in question is currently docked at San Francisco’s Pier 80; 2 miles south from where the spill occurred.
The spill itself happened near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and stretches on for at least 2 miles, with a width of 200 yards. The known environmental impact of the oil spill has already produced a number of dead bodies—11 birds, to be specific. The California Department of Fish and Game did recover at least 29 live birds that were impacted by the spill, however, and they have been transferred to the Wildlife Care and Education Center in Fairfield. Unfortunately, it would seem state officials expect at least several dozen more birds will be found dead because of the incident.
A number of crews have been working to clean up the black, polluted mess. Areas that have been affected by the spill include: Robert Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, Ballena Bay and Bay Farm Island. One of the techniques used to clean up the spill is laying down “boom”—a spongy material that is used to soak up toxic substance. In this case, a total of 42,000 feet of the stuff has been used thus far. Crews are making great progress with their clean-up efforts. At least 80% of the Robert Crown Memorial State Beach has been completed so far. Fishing and shellfish harvesting have also been suspended along the Alameda County shoreline between the Bay Bride and San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
Currently, it is uncertain how long the clean up will last, but it is expect to go on for at least a week. If you live in the San Francisco area (or might be traveling in the area soon), keep an eye out for impacted or oiled animals. If you spot an animal that has been affected by the spill, please call The Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. This is a toll free call and you will not be charged for it. As tempting as it may be to rescue the animal yourself, unless you are a trained professional do not attempt to help the animal. Even though it is hurt, it is still a wild animal, and interfering can do both yourself and the animal unnecessary harm.
By Heidi Marshall
Tags: oil spill, San Francisco, Wildlife & Flora
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