EPA has been mobilized to assist the USCG with an overturned barge in a canal near Franklin, Louisiana. The initial concern was whether or not the barge hold (20,000 gallon capacity) could potentially release oil/diesel. Containment boom was put in place in the event this occurred. It has since been determined in conversations with the owner that the barge was prepared for salvage two years ago and the tanks were emptied at that time. The barge is on its side and there is no visible sheen or any other indication of a release.
EPA START is onsite and has documented site conditions and the EPA FOSC has directed the owner to leave the containment boom in place as a precaution until the barge is uprighted and moved to shore. The owner is preparing a Salvage Plan for submittal to the USCG for approval to begin salvage operations.
