Unified Command officials are working to address a crude oil spill in an unnamed oilfield canal off Bayou Des Allemands in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, with containment measures in place and no reported injuries or wildlife impacts.
The Unified Command includes representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO), the Lafourche Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (Lafourche OEP), and the Texas Petroleum Investment Company (TPIC).
During an incident briefing on October 25, officials reported that an estimated 150 barrels, or 6,300 gallons, of crude oil were released from the well. The cause of the release remains under investigation.
“There is no visible discharge coming from the well since yesterday at 10:00 a.m.,” the Unified Command said. “Well control crews are on-scene and assessments indicate the well may have naturally bridged over; however, additional equipment is on-site working to repair and gain more permanent control of the well.”
Booming operations are focused on containing the well and any areas of oil within the surrounding oilfield access canals. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries is providing 24-hour site security to ensure safe navigation while operations continue. Mariners are urged to slow down and exercise caution in the area.
As of 2 p.m. on October 25, the following resources have been deployed to the site: 49 workers, 11 response vessels, 2 airboats, 3,500 feet of containment boom, 15,200 feet of absorbent boom, and source control equipment.
“There have been no sightings of oiled wildlife from this incident to date,” the Unified Command said. “Crews continue to monitor the area for wildlife.”
The Unified Command stated that additional updates will be provided as warranted.
READ MORE:Crude oil spill in Lafourche Parish contained, no injuries or wildlife impacts reported
