UPDATE 2: Coast Guard responds to reports of oil in Gulf of Mexico

NEW ORLEANS —The Coast Guard is continuing clean up and recovery operations in Grand Isle, Monday, after an oily substance began washing ashore.
An oily substance was reported to be washing ashore, Sunday, which prompted Coast Guard, along with other state and local agencies, to begin clean up and recovery operations of impacted shorelines on Elmer Island, Fourchon Beach and Grand Isle.
"We are working with our state and local partners to mitigate any further environmental impact while continuing to facilitate the safe movement of marine traffic to the fullest extent possible. Vessel traffic is highly encouraged to avoid the spill area and vessels that must transit through the affected zone should make every effort to avoid pockets of oil while ensuring safe navigation," stated Capt. Jonathan Burton, the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the response. "We are continuing to examine all measures necessary to maintain uninterrupted commerce throughout the Morgan City Captain of the Port Zone."
Currently, an estimated half mile of shoreline, in all areas combined, has been affected.
Assets currently being used in the clean up and recovery operations include:
- Approximately 10,000 feet of containment and sorbent boom have been pre-staged to prevent damage to environmentally sensitive areas;
- Two MARKO Skimmers are currently underway and another two MARKO Skimmers are on hand;
- Two barge boats;
- Two drum skimmers.
"As we are all stewards of the environment and equally concerned with the impacts to our shorelines, the State is jointly managing this spill to ensure that all resources and emergency response personnel are best utilized in a unified response posture," said Randall McGimsey, a representative from the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office.
Assisting and cooperating agencies currently engaged in the clean up and recovery operations include:
- Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office;
- Department of Public Safety;
- Grand Isle Fire Department;
- Louisiana National Guard.
ES&H has been contracted to clean up the spill.
A source has not yet been identified, and the Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.


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