U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Finley Sunken Vessel (M/V Forus) - Removal Polrep
Final Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region X
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Subject:
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POLREP #2
Final POLREP
Finley Sunken Vessel (M/V Forus)
Finley, WA
Latitude: 46.1698500 Longitude: -119.0121300
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To:
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From:
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Richard Franklin, On-Scene Coordinator
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Date:
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8/16/2013
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Reporting Period:
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
OPA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
7/22/2013 |
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Start Date: |
7/22/2013 |
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Demob Date: |
7/15/2013 |
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Completion Date: |
7/13/2013 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
WA Dept. Ecology, DNR |
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FPN#: |
E13005 |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
2013 HR 10NHXHR 303D91 Z0DH |
1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency Response
1.1.2 Site Description
On July 12, 2013, a 40-foot, former salmon fishing trawler sank in the middle of the navigation channel of the Columbia River, subsequently settling on the bottom in approximately 40 feet of water, near the Tri-Cities in Washington state. The vessel has since been de-fueled, raised, and transported it to the Port of Pasco for temporary storage, pending final disposal arrangements. The vessel is no longer located in the Columbia River
1.1.2.1 Location
The vessel was located approximately 1/4 mile down river from river mile 323, near Finley, Benton County, Washington.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
See POLREP #1. The Forus was reported initially as carrying 50 gallons of diesel, and 8 gallons of motor and hydraulic oils. When the vessel initially sank, oil sheen was observed in the Columbia by the Benton County Sheriff. However, no sheen was been observed since July 12, 2013, nor was any sheen reported during subsequent diving, defueling, or salvage operations. Approximately158 gallons of watery fuel and several containers of motor oil were also removed during multiple dive operations.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
N/A
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
On July 12, 2013, The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) notified the National Response Center (Report #1053670) of a sunken vessel in the middle of the navigation channel in the Columbia River, near Finley, Benton County, Washington. The vessel was identified as the Forus, a 40-foot, former salmon fishing trawler. The owner, who had been living aboard the vessel, was having it moved down river from nearby Kennewick, WA to a different marina, when the vessel began drawing on water and sank. After discussing the site with Ecology, the EPA OSC issued a Pollution Funding Removal Authorization (PRFA) to Ecology respond and mitigate the threat of an oil spill, which include raising the vessel from the river bottom. The USCG placed a navigation buoy at the site of the vessel to warn oncoming river traffic, and broadcast a notice to mariners.
EPA and Ecology notified all tribes with potential interests in this area, and coordinated daily with USCG Sector Columbia River. During site operations on July 2, a representative of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Richard Craig, also joined Unified Command and observed site operations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, was also advised and coordinated with during this incident.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
See POLREP #1 for previous history and actions. After initial site and logistical problems delayed lifting of the vessel and oil removal activities, Ecology and their contractor, Global Diving and Salvage, demobilized the site. On July 31, 2013, Global re-mobilized to the site and attempted to raise the vessel (Aug 2nd and 3rd) so that oil could be removed and the vessel towed to port. However, due to loose, shifting lead ballast plates, the vessel rolled upon being lifted to the surface, and re-settled to the bottom. This occurred at least three times. Divers removed additional containers of oil during this effort, and the vessel was towed to shallow water, stabilized, and anchored in place outside of the navigation channel. It was marked with a lit navigation buoy (WR-1). Global and Ecology de-mobilized the site again. Unified Command and Cooperating agencies then re-grouped and assessed options for removal and next steps. It was determined that the best logistical and most cost-efficient removal action would be for Global to re-mobilize to the site and de-fuel the vessel on August 13, after which a crane barge would be contracted to remove the vessel from the river, and then transport it to the Port of Pasco. An agreement was made between the agencies whereby EPA would only authorize funding for oil removal oerations (defueling), and the State of Washington DNR would pay for post-oil removal salvage operations, transport, and storage.
On Monday, August 12, 2013, Global re-mobilized to the site began preparations for dive operations. On August 13, Global succeeded in diving and tapping the vessel's fuel tanks, removing approximately 158 gallons of diesel fuel and water. On August 14, the crane barge arrived on site (a day earlier than expected), and in coordination with Global, raised the vessel onto the barge. The vessel was then transported to the Port of Pasco, where it was off loaded and stored at a temporary location, pending disposal arrangements. No further logistical or operational issues or delays were encountered.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The owner of the vessel is Brandan Traner, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Traner has been issued a Federal Notice of Interest (NOFI) by the OSC, and has verbally acknowledged receiving the NOFI. The Washington DNR Derelict Vessel Program will work with Mr. Traner on final disposition of the vessel.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| oil, oily water |
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165 gal |
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TBD |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Derelict Vessel Removal Program is handling final ownership and disposal issues. EPA and Ecology have demobilized the site, and no further removal activities are anticipated to be taken by EPA.
2.2.2 Issues
The sinking of the vessel in the Columbia River posed a substantial threat of a discharge of oil directly into the Columbia River due to onboard fuel and presence of multiple containers of other oils. Further, the vessel's sinking threatened commercial and recreational vessel traffic and safety on the river. The responsible party has claimed that he has no resources or insurance with which to conduct response and removal actions.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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N/A.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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2.5.1 Safety Officer
N/A
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
N/A
2.5.3 Information Officer
Media interest was maintained at the local level by the Tri-City Herald newspaper and KNDU 25 (NBC) Television. Ecology issued a press release in coordination with EPA and Benton County Emergency Management on July 23, 2013 (See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2013/190.html).
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
Washington Department of Ecology
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region10
Benton County Emergency Management
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Derelict Vessel Removal Program
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
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4. Personnel On Site
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None.
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
http://www.epaosc.org/MVForus
6.2 Reporting Schedule
None. Case closed.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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