USCG Responds to Oil Discharge in Kodiak, Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it is addressing a recent hydraulic oil discharge in Womens Bay in Kodiak, Alaska.

Coast Guard Cutter SPAR crew members were the first to report the discharge that came from a tank that can hold up to about 914 gallons, according to the agency. It is unknown how much oil has been spilled, but the source has been secured and the cause of the spill is being investigated, USCG said. Meanwhile, Kodiak members had been overseeing the cleanup by Choctaw Defense Services, which had been contracted to do the work. Boom systems, absorbent pads, a skimmer and vac truck were being used in the cleanup.

“Our primary focus is on mitigating potential impacts to the environment,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Thorne, a pollution responder from MSD Kodiak.

By Sarah Spangler