Media Update #2
RICHMOND, Calif., February 10, 2021 — Clean-up and recovery efforts continued today in the Richmond area after Tuesday’s leak at the Chevron Long Wharf, according to the Unified Command (UC) responding to the incident. The UC is comprised of Chevron, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Contra Costa Health Services, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Lab analysis and technical review determined that approximately 12-18 barrels (500-750 gallons) of a low-sulfur diesel fuel and flush water mix was released. Clean up and recovery efforts are ongoing, including the deployment and recovery of absorbent booms used to capture the diesel from the water.
RECOVERY
At 0700 today, Coast Guard helicopter crew and incident responders conducted the first overflight. Responders also conducted a shoreline assessment, on foot and by drone, which revealed no visible impacts on wildlife.
A patchy sheen from Point Molate to Brooks Island was observed during the overflight, and a total of 3500’ of boom was deployed in the Richmond Eel Grass Beds north of the incident and 2500’ at Brooks Island south of the incident. Boom is also deployed in additional areas to proactively protect sensitive areas. At this time, the only shoreline area known to have been affected is immediately adjacent to the Chevron wharf.
As a precaution, two public access sites on Western Drive and Keller Beach remain closed to allow the on-water response crews to focus on their work.
PUBLIC HEALTH
The Unified Command continues to evaluate any potential public health issues related to the incident. Air monitoring by authorities has not detected any levels that would result in health impacts or injuries. The public health order issued by Contra Costa County Health was rescinded at 9 p.m. February 9.
For additional questions or concerns regarding public health, please check the County Health Alerts at https://cchealth.org.
An hourly VHF channel 16 broadcast is advising mariners to stay away from the impacted area while clean-up operations are conducted.
ENVIRONMENT
Sheens remain visible in some areas along the southeast side of Point Richmond. Boom was preventatively placed in sensitive areas and there has been no reported impact in those areas.
There are no oiled animals reported. Should the public encounter potentially affected wildlife, please stay away from the animal and report the sighting to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926).
VOLUNTEERS
Public volunteers are not currently needed. For updates, call the Volunteer Hotline at 800-228-4544.
For publicly available information on the response, please visit https://recoveredoillineleak.com/.