The US Coast Guard revealed that as much as 1.1 million gallons of oil may have been discharged into the Gulf of Mexico from a pipeline system off the southeast coast of Louisiana.
The affected pipeline, owned by Main Pass Oil Company, a subsidiary of Houston-based Third Coast Infrastructure LLC, has been successfully shut down. However, authorities are actively working to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the leak.
Authorities Act Swiftly to Contain Potential Environmental Disaster
During a Coast Guard news conference, officials stated that none of the spilled oil has reached the land thus far. Despite this, the impact on wildlife remains a concern, prompting ongoing investigations into the potential effects on marine life.
Two oily pelicans were reportedly sighted off the Louisiana coast on Saturday, although they still appeared active and able to fly, according to a US Fish and Wildlife official.
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Gulf Oil Spill Amidst High Winds Raises Concerns
The discovery of the oil discharge occurred amid high winds in the Gulf, facilitating the evaporation and dispersion of some of the oil. Nevertheless, visible sheens and patches were reported, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by the incident, as noted by Capt. Kelly Denning, the Coast Guard’s New Orleans sector commander.
Main Pass Oil Company, the owner of the affected pipeline, has yet to respond to requests for comments. The company shut down a 67-mile stretch of the pipeline last week as officials worked diligently to determine the leak’s location and cause.
Initial reports from pipeline gauges suggested a loss of 1.1 million gallons of oil, a figure later confirmed by federal officials.
While significantly less than the 2010 BP oil disaster, where 134 million gallons were released following an oil rig explosion, environmental groups have still raised concerns about the magnitude of the spill.
The Center for Biological Diversity, in a news release, described the spill as “huge” and emphasized the ongoing threat it poses to Gulf wildlife.
The organization criticized the oil industry, accusing it of prioritizing profit over environmental protection and placing Gulf animals under siege once again.
As authorities scramble to contain the potential environmental disaster, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with offshore oil infrastructure and the importance of robust measures to prevent and respond to such spills.
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