Barge Davy Crockett response continues, prepares for vessel stabilization operations

Courtesy Photo | A 431-foot flat-deck barge, Davy Crockett, partially sunk on the shoreline of the Columbia River near Camas, Wash., Jan. 30. Federal, state and cleanup contractors responded to the barge after a sheen was traced back to it. Approximately 10,000 feet of sorbent boom and 3,600 feet of hard boom have been deployed to contain the potential release of oil and protect the shoreline.  

PORTLAND, OREGON, UNITED STATES

02.01.2011

Courtesy Story

U.S. Coast Guard District 13

PORTLAND, Ore. — Response crews continue to prepare for ballasting operations of the barge Davy Crockett, near Camas, Wash., on the Columbia River, Feb. 1.

Federal, state and local agencies, as well as cleanup contractors, continue to work closely together to recover oil and monitor the Davy Crockett.

Once ballasting operations begin, water will be slowly added to the vessel to correct the leveling of the stern while ensuring the stability of the vessel.

"Safety of personnel on-site is our number one priority as we move forward in preparation for ballasting operations,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Herrera, Coast Guard safety officer for this response.

A Unified Command, consisting of Coast Guard, Washington Dept. of Ecology and Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality was established Jan. 27, after Ecology received reports of a light, non-recoverable sheen.

A 500-yard safety no-wake zone is still in effect around the Davy Crockett to ensure the safety of the on-scene workers and to prevent further damage to the vessel. Boaters are asked to use caution when transiting the area.

The following information is current as of 5 p.m. Tuesday:

- 127 members from federal, state and local agencies, as well as cleanup contractors, are responding

- Approximately 1,450 gallons of oil recovered

- Approximately 10,000 feet of sorbent boom deployed inside and around the vessel

- Approximately 3,600 feet of hard boom deployed around the vessel

- Two work barges on-scene to assist with response operations

Media inquiries, questions or information requests should be referred to Petty Officer Kelly Parker, U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs, at [phone], or Kim Schmanke, Dept. of Ecology media relations, at [phone].

• Date Taken: 02.01.2011
• Date Posted: 02.01.2011 21:26
• Story ID: 64623
• Location: PORTLAND, OREGON, US