Crews complete cleanup of diesel oil spill at Silver Bay Marina

The Oil Spill Recovery Organization (OSRO) has completed recovery and cleanup operations following a nearly 400-gallon diesel oil spill on Lake Superior on Wednesday, May 29, at the Silver Bay Marina.

At approximately 6 a.m. on May 29, the Pusher Tug Clyde S. Vanenkevort notified the U.S. Coast Guard and OSRO of an oil spill. Crews responded and began recovery and cleanup operations.

The cause of the oil spill is still being investigated but is believed to have been caused by a “transfer between two internal tanks inside of the vessel,” U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Joe McGinnis told WTIP.

On Friday, May 31, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that OSRO had completed the recovery operation where the oil spill occurred, including beneath the pier.

“The facility and the USCG Marine Safety Unit Duluth Pollution Responders confirmed that the recovery/clean up efforts in the area were sufficient,” McGinnis wrote in a statement. “With the impacted area cleaned and the vessel shifted/boomed, the facility re-opened to receive vessels.”

McGinnis said the Clyde S. Vanenkevort will remain surrounded by approximately 800 feet of boom, so any missing oil will be contained and captured by sorbent material and the hard boom. “USCG pollution responders will still be in the field today monitoring the final stages of clean up around the vessel.”

McGinnis said the Coast Guard has not received any reports of impact on wildlife, shoreline residents, or the community at this time. If visitors or residents notice a sheen or oil spill-related impact in the area, contact the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Kalli Hawkins May 31, 2024