Date: 9.21.19
Contact: Joint Information Center (912) 944-7122
The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command (UC), made of the U.S. Coast Guard, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Gallagher Marine Systems, continues to target pollution and refine the salvage plan.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Specialists are actively monitoring air and water quality around the vessel, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island. Members of the public are encouraged to monitor the Department of Public Health website for additional information.
ENVIRONMENT
Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams, comprised of federal, state, and environmental response contractors, are continuously scanning the shoreline by air, boat, and foot, looking for evidence of oil.
The command has observed sporadic discharges from the vessel. Shoreline impacts have been identified near Quarantine Island, Lanier Island, and the confluence of the Back, Mackay, and Frederica Rivers, with varying degrees of oil and sheen in the marshes. Mitigation techniques are being evaluated. The public is reminded to not touch oil, and report any sightings of oil to (800) 424-8802. Oiled wildlife should be reported to the wildlife hotline (800) 261-0980.
There are approximately 200 responders attached to the UC and 40 vessels engaged in the response. Over 5,300 feet of boom has been deployed to protect Bird Island, and 18,400 feet of boom is strategically staged for use as needed.
ECONOMIC
Commercial traffic in the Port of Brunswick continues to move on a case by case basis. A claims number has been established for those affected by the incident: (888) 850-8486.