BALTIMORE — The Unified Command continues its response to oil sheens Saturday in the Potomac River near Arlington, Virginia. The Unified Command will maintain protective measures at the outfall, while also responding to any reports of oiled wildlife throughout the area.
No material is collecting at the Roaches Run outfall. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services searched the area today beginning at Hunter’s Point and worked their way north, following south on the Maryland side of the river looking for oiled birds and any sheening.
Since the response began, 22 oiled geese and one duck were identified. Tri-State Bird and Rescue & Research, with the help of USFWS, recovered 19 geese and the one duck and took them to their facility in Delaware for cleaning and rehabilitation. Tri-State Bird and Rescue & Research are scheduled to be on scene Sunday and attempt to retrieve the remaining geese.
The Coast Guard is coordinating with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Arlington County to trace the storm drain systems, as part of a source investigation.
“At this time our main concerns are the care and recovery of the oiled birds along with our continued investigation into the source,” said Cmdr. Michael Keane, the incident commander. “As most of the sheen has dissipated, we continue to have personnel ready to response to any call regarding a sheen or report of affected wildlife.”
Oil recovered by Coast Guard investigators has been sent to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Laboratory and is awaiting analysis.
Reports of impacted wildlife or oil should be made to the Office of Unified Communications by dialing 311.
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