Environmental spill into Dulac marsh

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard, state, and federal agencies are responding to a crude oil spill of an estimated 1,680 gallons into an unnamed marsh in the Lake Paige Oil and Gas Field near Dulac, La., which began Nov. 15. The spill is from a flow line owned by Texas Petroleum Investment Corporation (TPIC). A pollution response team from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Houma, La., and contracted personnel from Environmental Safety and Health - an oil spill response organization hired for cleanup - responded to the spill with hard boom and sorbents. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries representative arrived on scene Nov. 16 to re-evaluate the discharge and plan cleanup operations. Officials determined that in-situ burning is the best option to remove the oil. A plan for in-situ burning is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19. The source of the spill has been secured. The incident is under investigation. (Coast Guard 11/18/18)