Barge MM-53 Update02 Feb. 2006

• Hightlights (01-02 Feb.)– Discussed sampling plans with state agencies, USFWS, USCG and RP for water

column and tissues. (more to follow)– Salvage equipment began arriving on-scene and the salvers did initial survey on the

barge. Among the initial findings/opinions:• Cargo hold #4 starboard is empty, likely leaking from the open hatch and through a breach

into #4 port.• #4 port has a leak just below the water line in the area of the “hog” (place where it is bent

against the bridge) of the hull.• Cargo hold #2 starboard leaked through the open hatch, but no more, meaning that 6 feet of

cargo remains inside.• The heating system is intact (this is disputed by Magnolia Marine personnel, more on this to

follow)• The starboard diesel tank is 1/3 full

– The barge continues to sheen (mostly silvers, sporadic rainbows)– Floating asphalt has been found as far as 20 miles downstream, but the number of

asphalt patties on the shore is extremely sporadic

Renn Hansen departedOn-scene: Steve Lehmann, NOAA SSC

Sampling Plan

• A conference call with states, USFWS, USCG, NOAA and RP was conducted on Wednesday to discuss the need and method of sampling in the area of the spill. Dr. Amy Merten (NOAA/HMRD) participated to provide technical advise in the area of environmental toxicology.

• Water Column– ORSANCO has been contracted by the RP to take and analyze water column samples in

the river. As per agreement with the states, four areas will be sampled; upriver of the barge (control), within a mile of the barge, in the area of the mussel beds (6 miles) and 20 miles down river. As ORSANCO is both state and federally funded and charged with monitoring the waterway, they were a logical choice to contract and agreed to by all parties.

– Samples were taken today (Thursday)

• Tissue– It was agreed that any tissue samples will be from mussels (species to be determined).

Total PAHs will be examined. Mussels from upstream will be used as control. The full plan is yet to be developed and will be coordinated directly between USFWS, Kentucky and the RP.

– USFWS also requested a survey of the down stream bed for possible endangered mussel species. While the most recent surveys (2000) revealed no living evidence of the animals, USFWS felt the data were too old to be reliable.

Future Plans

• Salvage vs Cleanup– There is ongoing discussion with the states and the federal partners

regarding the delay of any cleanup activities until the salvage is complete. It is felt that the recoverable contaminants (the asphalt) are relatively stable (both chemically and physically) and that recovery would be difficult to impossible during the salvage operations. Therefore, the command may decide to suspend cleanup until after the barge is removed. In the interum:

• Re-think and contract underwater imaging such as multi-beam, high resolution side-scan sonar

• Develop recovery criteria and end-points• Develop cleanup techniques and plans• Obtain necessary permits (mostly ACOE for dredging)

– Initial discussion indicate that all key stakeholders agree

Continuing Release

• The barge continues to sheen. Although the salvers believe this release (right) is pure heated asphalt and that the heating system is intact, the RP’s tankerman obtained a sample and is convinced that this is heating (thermolene) oil.

• This fits the general consensus of the Environmental Unit, based on odor and the extent of the sheening. Clearly some asphalt is involved and the thermolene is acting as a solvent.

• Video on following slide

QuickTime™ and aDV - PAL decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Cat Walk - midship on barge

Sheen within one mile of the barge

Digitally Enhanced

Sheen approximately 4 miles from the barge(streamers: < 1 inch wide)

Digitally Enhanced

Found over 1 mile from the barge, 15 ft up the bankof the river. It is assumed that it floated to its location

Pancake-zilla

Pancake-zilla

First Day

Oil was reported to releasefrom the barge in large “pancakes” and would rapidly submerge

Photos courtesy of:USCG Sector Ohio Valley