Palm Oil Spill in the Savannah River

7.1.2015

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Around 100 gallons of cooking grade palm oil was spilled in the Savannah River, Friday night June 26th. 

The Coast Guard and Moran Environmental worked together to clean-up the spill. About 1.5 miles of boom was used to contain the spill along the river, from Hutchinson Island to Garden City. 

Members at MSU Savannah were notified of the situation approximately 12 a.m., Saturday. The initial report stated that the incident began when the motor vessel Ginga Leopard was transferring the oil ashore at the Vopak Terminal in Savannah on Friday. 

As of 8 p.m. on Monday, approximately 50 percent of the shoreline had been cleaned. The spill was completely contained and cleaned up on Wednesday, July 1st.

"It actually spread a lot further than what we originally had on Friday and Saturday. And, the impact area has moved up further, right in front of Garden City," said Lt. Warren Fair, U.S. Coast Guard.

Palm oil is a material used in numerous everyday edible products and does not pose a danger to people or animals in the area, but the public was asked to avoid the area while clean-up operations continue. The Coast Guard said, "Wildlife can eat the oil without getting sick." 

The exact amount spilled remains unknown and the cause of the spill is under investigation.

To learn more, follow the link on the WTOC website...