Crude Oil Release in the Gulf of Mexico Prompts Unified Command Response

Update: Massive Oil Leak Near New Orleans: Over 1 Million Gallons Potentially Released

A Unified Command is responding to a crude oil release in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident occurred near the Main Pass Oil Gathering (MPOG) company’s pipeline system southeast of New Orleans.

The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, Main Pass Oil Gathering Company, LLC, and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office.

An aircrew from MPOG conducted an overflight and confirmed the presence of crude oil. In accordance with its approved emergency oil spill response plan, MPOG has begun implementing necessary measures.

To effectively manage the response, MPOG has coordinated with Forefront Emergency Management and local Oil Spill Removal Organizations, including Environmental Safety & Health Consulting Services, Inc. and Clean Gulf Associates.

The Unified Command is working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Forefront Emergency Management, and other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure public safety and respond to the incident.

Assessments through overflight operations were scheduled for Friday morning. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or shoreline impacts so far.

Mariners are urged to report any oil observations to the Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center at 504-365-2200.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

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