Mississippi River Oil Spill
On July 23, 2008, a massive oil spill occurred in the Mississippi River
when a 600-foot tanker collided with a barge carrying No. 6 fuel oil near
New Orleans, Louisiana. The tanker, carrying biodiesel and styrene, did
not leak; however the barge was split in half, sending most of the oil it
was carrying (more than 400,000 gallons) into the river. The spill affected
a 100-mile area from New Orleans to the mouth of the river in the Gulf of
Mexico. This spill represents a significant threat to fish, wildlife, and
habitat quality, as well as commercial activities, such as hunting and
fishing. The river, which serves as a major commercial waterway, was closed to ship
traffic for several days.
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The Mississippi River is also the source of potable water for
communities along the river and importantly, below the spill.
However, continued water quality tests have confirmed that
municipal water supplies south of New Orleans are safe for human consumption.
Cleanup of the heavy fuel oil is expected to continue for weeks.
Related Story: USGS Biologists Conduct Aerial Surveys of Mississippi River Oil Spill
