OR&R Supports Western Mariner Oil Spill Damage Assessment
JUNE 13, 2022 — On March 21, 2022 the Tug Western Mariner ran aground in Neva Strait, north of Sitka, Alaska, resulting in a diesel oil spill. OR&R has been providing support for the response, cleanup, and damage assessment for the spill since the incident occurred.
A group of state and federal natural resource damage assessment trustees are engaged in preliminary assessment work to determine the extent and severity of impacts to natural resources resulting from the spill. This assessment work includes the collection of time-sensitive environmental data to document oil exposure and resulting environmental impacts.
During a low tide series in mid-May, Alaska regional resource coordinator, Sarah Allan, led a field assessment effort to evaluate potential impacts to shoreline habitats. A multi-agency field team, including NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service carried out surveys on beaches and collected samples to support the damage assessment.
For additional information, please contact Sarah.Allan@noaa.gov.