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| News Release |
Date: Oct. 21, 2009 Contact: |
| Coast Guard continues to investigate possible oil spill in Charleston Harbor |
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***IMPORTANT NOTE: The Coast Guard is asking the public to minimize foot traffic on affected shorelines. Please do not attempt to remove or clean up any petroleum products located in or around the beach. The clean-up is being conducted by properly trained and outfitted personnel. Report any significant sightings of impacted beaches, marsh or other areas to Coast Guard Sector Charleston at (843) 740-7090.***
Coast Guard Ens. Matthew Kahley and two Moran Environmental Recovery contractors clean up petroleum product on Folley Beach, S.C., Oct. 21, 2009. The source of the tar balls and sheen on the water and beaches near Sullivan's Island, S.C., Folley Beach, Morris Island and Fort Moultrie is unknown. U.S. Coast Guard photo. CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coast Guard is continuing to investigate and manage clean-up operations following a possible oil spill Wednesday near the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Coast Guard Sector Charleston crewmembers have conducted aerial, on-water and shoreline assessments. Oil sheens and small tar balls were found on Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, near Fort Sumter and Kiawah Island and in offshore waters during assessments completed late Tuesday and early Wednesday. A small amount of oil washed ashore during the high tide overnight Tuesday and clean-up crews were active in recovering oil on Wednesday. Based on assessments made Wednesday, only small amounts of oil remain in near shore waters. The Coast Guard expects some additional minor shoreline impact south of Charleston. The Coast Guard will continue to assess and respond to new sightings. Clean-up operations are expected to continue at least through Thursday. On-water and shoreline clean-up is being conducted in partnership with more than 30 Moran Environmental Recovery contractors, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and municipal police, fire and beach patrols. The source of the spilled petroleum product remains under investigation. |
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