Transit Plan Under Review May 13, 2004
The Unified Command reports that fuel and oil removal has recommenced. An oil containment boom surrounds the vessel and immediate area around the grounding site as an added precautionary measure. Now that underwater assessments have provided a better understanding of the damage to the LeConte's hull, a preliminary salvage plan has been submitted to Unified Command and is under review. In the unlikely event of a spill, Unified Command has received approval for an oil spill response migratory bird hazing permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as part of its wildlife protection plan. Hazing is an approved rousing method used to temporarily displace birds from oiled habitats. Environmentally sensitive areas such as seal and sea lion haulouts, shorebird habitats, anadromous streams and shorelines have been identified and charted. Additional waste management systems are being implemented to address solid waste issues as salvage operations continue. The LeConte salvage team looked
at vehicle off-load and transfer plans as they relate to vessel
stability Thursday. The Alaska Marine Highway is personally contacting
all passengers to assure them that their vehicles and belongings
will be delivered to them as soon as possible.
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