SITREP ONE
21 January, 2000
These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurrence Date: | 21 January |
|---|---|
| Location: | Gulf of Mexico |
| Source: | Equilon Pipeline |
| Material: | Crude Oil |
| Severity: | Medium |
| Quantity Discharged: | 77,000 Gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | 77,000 Gallons |
| Body of Water Affected: | Gulf of Mexico |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | MSO Morgan City |
During the evening of 21 January, MSO Morgan City received a report from Equilon that a 24 inch pipeline had ruptured 70 miles south of Marsh Island, LA. The pipeline ruptured because a jack-up boat dropped an anchor on the line. Approximately 77,000 gallons of medium grade crude oil was discharged into the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Strike Team was notified and deployed 4 members with SMART equipment to Houma, LA. An Incident Command Center formed in New Orleans. Initial on scene estimates revealed a 100 yard by 50 yard slick and a 2 mile by 2 mile sheen. Two commercial dispersant flights were conducted dropping 3000 gallons of agent. Initial reports estimate that the Dispersants were 90 percent effective, reducing the slick size 75 percent. Additional visual observations by Gulf Strike Team members are scheduled to determine if additional Dispersants are required. CASE PENDS.