Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #11

June 14, 2024

Operations to complete wet excavation (below the water table) for the southern half of the railroad site will resume in the coming weeks. Installation of an in-river isolation barrier (IRIB), consisting of large canvas sacks filled with sand and rocks, is underway and will be completed prior to the start of excavation activities. River flows are subsiding but remain swift.

River Safety Message signage has been posted in various public locations upstream of the railroad yard from the Sacramento Avenue overcrossing to Hedge Creek Falls.

Excavation depths vary throughout the site but will be taken down to bedrock in most areas. The areas are being backfilled with clean imported material, compacted, and graded to final shoreline configuration.

Excavated material will be loaded onto trucks or railcars and properly disposed of off-site.

The containment boom in the river along the retaining wall was removed during high winter and spring flows as it may have dislodged and become hazardous. Boom will be reinstalled on the outside of the IRIB and prior to initiating 2024 excavation activities. River monitoring will continue, and cleanup equipment is staged onsite if needed. Containment strategies have

been effective in confining an oil seep observed last year and no visible sheen or product has been observed outside of the containment boom since.

Dust control measures taken at the site on roads and soil stockpiles include application of water using a water truck. As needed, a soil stabilizer and dust control agent, Gorilla-Snot, is being applied utilizing a water truck. Gorilla-Snot is non-toxic when dry, and commonly used for dust and soil control.

Truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir will increase with the onset of excavation activities.

Aurora Incident Response in San Joaquin County – UPDATE #2

June 11, 2024

A Unified Command including OSPR continues to respond to the Aurora, a sinking vessel in Potato Slough near Stockton.  Crews began installing dewatering pumps on the vessel over the weekend and will continue work this week to support planned refloat operations. Operations to refloat and remove any remaining petroleum will potentially begin this week.  Be advised the safety zone around the vessel is still in place. No observed impacts to wildlife.

Aurora Incident Response in San Joaquin County – UPDATE #1

May 23, 2024

A Unified Command consisting of agencies including OSPR continues to respond to a sinking vessel in Little Potato Slough. Over the holiday weekend, crews will work to maintain the containment boom, recover pollution, and conduct dive surveys. Be advised the USCG has established a water safety zone around the vessel.

Unified Command conducts vessel pollution response efforts near Stockton

May 22, 2024

 A Unified Command with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the City of Stockton has been formed to respond to a sinking vessel in Little Potato Slough near Stockton.

A report to the California Office of Emergency Services on Wednesday indicated the Aurora, a non-operational 294-foot cruise ship permanently moored northwest of Stockton began to sink in 13 feet of water and discharge pollution. Sheen was observed in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. Containment boom is deployed around the vessel and the City’s drinking water intake pump station. Additional mooring lines were also attached to the vessel to ensure stability.

An investigation into the source and volume discharged is ongoing. The vessel was not in operation but had recently changed ownership so details about pollution onboard during the time of the incident are unknown. Over the next several days, crews will work to maintain the containment boom, recover pollution, and conduct dive surveys to assess the vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice of federal assumption and hired Global Diving and Salvage as a contractor to address the pollution, deploy hard boom and assess the status of the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard also established a water safety zone around the vessel to enforce a no-wake zone within the area, which will remain in place over the holiday weekend.

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has been notified and is available to respond but no observations of oiled wildlife have been reported. For your safety and the safety of the animals, the public should not attempt to capture oiled animals. Report oiled wildlife to 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926). This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.

Volunteers are not requested at this time. If volunteers are needed in the future, information will be available https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/.

Media inquiries can be directed to U.S. Coast Guard District 11 Public Affairs at PADETSF@uscg.mil or 510-599-0459.

FINAL UPDATE: Unified Command concludes response to sheen offshore of Huntington Beach

March 11, 2024

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Unified Command concluded its response Monday to an oil sheen observed offshore of Huntington Beach.

Over the weekend, cleanup crews recovered approximately 85 gallons of product from offshore recovery efforts and removed roughly 1,050 pounds of oily waste/sand and tar balls from the shoreline. Official quantification of product collected throughout the response is ongoing.

“In the face of this environmental challenge, the strength of our partnerships has once again proven to be our greatest asset. The Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and our local Orange County agencies and departments mobilized swiftly to mitigate the impact of the oil sheen off Huntington Beach,” said Capt. Ryan Manning, the federal on-scene coordinator for the response. “This operation underscores the importance of readiness, collaboration, and a shared dedication to preserving the natural beauty and health of our environment. As we conclude this response, we remain vigilant and prepared to respond to future incidents, ensuring the protection of our marine and coastal resources for generations to come.”

The U.S. Coast Guard and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) collected samples from the offshore sheen and tar balls along the shoreline to help determine the source of the oil. Analyses by CDFW-OSPR’s Petroleum Chemistry Lab were unable to definitively identify the oil source.

However, the preliminary laboratory results of the oil samples collected confirm that the release is lightly weathered crude oil and not a refined product like gasoline or diesel. They also indicate that the samples are consistent with local crude oil with characteristics of the Monterey Formation and not imported crude oil that may be brought by ship to California.

The preliminary laboratory results indicate that the oil samples analyzed from this incident are more characteristic of freshly produced oil than heavily weathered oil, which is associated with typical natural seeps. The lab results were also inconsistent with archived samples from oil platforms in the area. While a discharge of produced water from Platform Elly was reported on the morning of March 8 (CalOES #24-1414), the characteristics of the produced water do not align with what was observed from the sheen.

While it is believed this was a one-time event, samples will be taken for additional analysis if another release is observed. The USCG and CDFW-OSPR will return to their standard emergency response posture. Huntington Beach Lifeguards will continue to monitor the beach for tarball conditions that exceed characteristics associated with natural seeps in the area.

UPDATE 2: Unified Command continues response to sheen offshore of Huntington Beach

March 9, 2024

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Unified Command continues its response Saturday to an oil sheen located two and a half miles off Huntington Beach.

An overflight on the morning of March 9 did not observe any remaining recoverable sheen. Tar balls were observed along the shoreline in Huntington Beach, and onshore recovery teams will assess the shoreline and remove them as needed.

A Notice to Mariners and a safety zone are in effect 1,000 yards around any response vessel. There are currently no beach closures.

CDFW-OSPR consulted with the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Based on information received from on-scene responders, OEHHA finds there is not likely to be a public health threat associated with consuming fish due to the incident. As such, there is no fisheries closure. OEHHA advises against fishing in areas with a visible sheen on the water.

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network was activated, and crews are surveying the shoreline and responding to reports of oiled wildlife. As of 10 a.m. on March 9, four live birds are in care. Three of the birds in care were visibly oiled (a cormorant, loon, and grebe). Responders also captured an injured, unoiled snowy plover was also captured and taken for care. Anyone observing oiled wildlife should not attempt to capture it; instead, please report observations of oiled wildlife to 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926). This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.

For clarification, reports that Platform Elly reported a discharge of produced water on the morning of March 8 are correct. Still, the characteristics of the produced water from Platform Elly do not align with what was observed from the sheen. At this time, we do not believe the sheen and the discharge are related.

Media inquiries can be directed to the USCG Public Affairs Detachment at padetla@uscg.mil. 

The investigation continues into the cause of the sheen.

UPDATE 1: Unified Command continues response to sheen offshore of Huntington Beach

March 8, 2024

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Unified Command continues its response Friday to an oil sheen located two and a half miles off Huntington Beach.

Approximately 85% of the sheen, roughly 85 gallons of product, was recovered before the deteriorating sea state caused operations to pause for the evening.

A Coast Guard helicopter will conduct an overflight at first light to assess if there is any sheen or oil product in the water. The Unified Command has also authorized an onshore recovery team to conduct shoreline assessments and cleanup.

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) has been activated, and crews are investigating reports of oiled wildlife. As of 2 p.m. on March 8, one oiled grebe has been recovered. Anyone observing oiled wildlife should not attempt to capture it. Instead, please report observations of oiled wildlife to the oiled wildlife hotline at 1-877-UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926). This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.

The unified command consists of the Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The investigation continues into the cause of the sheen.

Agencies Responding to Oil Sheen Offshore of Huntington Beach

March 8, 2024

SAN PEDRO, Calif — A Unified Command with representatives from the US Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and Orange County Sheriff’s Department are responding to an oil sheen observed offshore of Huntington Beach.

Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center received a report at 6:50 p.m. Thursday of an unknown substance in the water 1.5 miles off the coast of Huntington Beach.  

Watchstanders at the Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center notified Coast Guard Pollution Responders who began investigative work through the night with California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), Huntington Beach Lifeguards, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.   

At 6:30 a.m., Coast Guard Pollution Responders got underway with a Newport Harbor Patrol boat to investigate. Additionally, a Coast Guard helicopter conducted an overflight in the area at sunrise. Upon investigation, an oil sheen was discovered that spanned 2.5 miles in length and 0.5 miles in width in position 33-40.100N 118-04.500W, roughly 2.5 nautical miles off Huntington Beach in vicinity of platforms Emmy and Eva.  

The Coast Guard is reaching out to all potential sources of the spill in the area but no source has been identified at this time. Additionally, the Coast Guard has hired an oil spill response organization to conduct offshore oil collection and is working to identify possible impacts to the shoreline and environmental protection strategies. At this time, no oiled wildlife has been observed. The public is asked not to approach impacted animals if observed and to call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.

For more information or updates, contact the Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment at (310) 781-0619 or padetla@uscg.mil. 

Agencies Respond to Grounded Vessel near Bodega Bay

February 10, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard responded to a report of a grounded vessel Friday night at Sonoma Coast State Park. This position is two miles southwest of Bodega Bay, and is located within the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a call via VHF-FM Channel 16 from the captain of the 58-foot commercial fishing vessel Aleutian Storm reporting that the vessel had run aground and needed assistance ungrounding. The captain also reported that all four crew aboard were uninjured and had immersion suits.

A Station Bodega Bay boat crew and an Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was launched to assist the crew of the vessel. Sonoma County Fire Department members and a California Highway Patrol helicopter aircrew also assisted with response efforts.

All four crew members were able to safely swim ashore after attempts to unground the vessel themselves.

The Coast Guard has established a Unified Command with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, California State Parks, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, and the vessel captain. The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the vessel for pollution concerns while lightering and salvage operations are conducted. The fuel capacity of the vessel is 3,400 gallons, and a total of 1,500 gallons of diesel is estimated to be on board.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil Update #10

January 5, 2024

Excavation operations have been completed for the 2023 work season and the site is being winterized in preparation for inclement weather. Operations to complete wet excavation for the southern half of the railyard site will resume after the 2024 winter weather season.

Dry excavation for the entire railyard site has been completed. The retaining wall along the river was not removed in 2023 and will remain in place over the winter. Removal of the wall will occur during 2024 operations. The in-river isolation barrier has been removed while construction activities cease for the winter and will be reinstalled this year.

Excavation depths vary throughout the site but will be taken down to bedrock in most areas. Excavated areas are being backfilled with clean imported material, compacted, and graded to final shoreline configuration.

Containment boom currently remains in the river along the retaining wall and weekly river monitoring is ongoing. In anticipation of wet weather and river level rise, the boom will likely be removed as it may become hazardous with high flows. Additional response equipment is staged onsite if needed.

Increased truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir will continue while backfill material is being delivered to the site and excavated material is being off hauled from the stockpile pads. Truck traffic will slow down once the site is winterized and hauling of material to or from the site is complete for the work season.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #9

October 23, 2023

Excavation work continues along the Upper Sacramento River at the Dunsmuir Railyard, where cleanup and restoration is ongoing to address historic petroleum seepage.

Planned excavation will continue through December before winterizing the site in preparation for inclement weather. The overall project schedule was updated during the summer and proposes to carry out operations through the end of 2024.  

Dry excavation for the entire north railyard site has been largely completed. Wet excavation (below the water table) began in mid-September 2023 for the northern half of the work site, and is expected to be completed in November 2023.

Operations continue to remove the retaining wall along the river. The wall will be removed prior to initiating shoreline restoration activities. An in-river isolation barrier was installed prior to initiating wet excavation activities to keep product contained within the immediate project area. The barrier consists of sand and rock filled supersacks, as well as sorbent boom and a silt curtain.

During excavation operations on October 18, a turbidity plume (a plume of sediment temporarily suspended in the water column) was released outside of the in-river isolation barrier into the Sacramento River. Whereas turbidity is expected with the excavation work, there was an unknown breach causing the plume to be released. Excavation operations ceased, and crews were on-scene repairing the breach. 

With the installation of the in-river isolation barrier, River Safety Message signage was posted in September at various locations upstream of the barrier. 

Excavation depths vary throughout the site but will be taken down to bedrock in most areas. Excavated areas will be backfilled with clean imported material, compacted, and graded to final shoreline configuration. Excavated material is being loaded onto trucks or railcars and properly disposed of off-site.

Containment boom remains in the river along with the in-river isolation barrier and weekly river monitoring is ongoing. Additional response equipment is staged onsite if needed. Containment strategies have been effective in confining an oil seep and no visible sheen or product has been observed outside of the containment boom.

Shoreline restoration is planned to be completed in early 2024, which will expand riparian habitat.

Increased truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir will continue as excavation work and transfer of material to the south stockpile area continues. Signs along the trucking routes are placed along the streets notifying times and dates of increased truck traffic and any no parking zones as needed.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #8

October 18, 2023

At approximately 12:00 pm today (October 18, 2023) a turbidity plume (a plume containing sediment temporarily suspended in the water column) was released outside of the in-river isolation barrier (IRIB) along the Dunsmuir Railyard into the Sacramento River due to ongoing operations to remove contaminated soil. Excavation operations were occurring along the shoreline which created turbidity in the water.  Whereas turbidity is expected with the excavation work, there was an unknown breach in the IRIB causing the plume to be released. Excavation work has ceased, and crews are currently on-scene repairing the breach.

Safety information on the Dunsmuir Historical Oil response

Active restoration and cleanup is occurring at the Dunsmuir Railyard located along the Sacramento River. Please read the flyer on important safety information for the public planning to engage in recreational activities in the area.

For more information on the Dunsmuir Historical response, go to https://calspillwatch.wordpress.com/tag/dunsmuir-historical-oil/

Media contact: Mary Fricke, Public Information Officer, Mary.fricke@wildlife.ca.gov or 916-417-0210

Reported oil spill under investigation

Santa Catalina Island, Calif. – California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is investigating a potential oil spill from a sinking 62-foot fishing vessel that occurred at the back side of Santa Catalina Island this morning.

OSPR personnel are enroute. The team will assess the status of the vessel and pollution threat.

The amount of oil discharged is unknown at this time and under investigation.

More information will be released as it becomes available and is confirmed by the response team. Visit https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/ for updated information on the spill and follow OSPR on X, Instagram and Facebook @CalSpillWatch.

Contact: Mary Fricke, Information Officer: 916-417-0210

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Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #6

May 30, 2023

After pausing excavation activities over the winter months due to inclement weather,
cleanup and restoration efforts are set to resume this month at the Dunsmuir Railyard,
where historic petroleum seepage has impacted soil and the adjacent Upper
Sacramento River.

Two buildings will be demolished this month so that excavation can resume in June. Excavated material will be loaded onto railcars and trucks for proper disposal, and
once the project is complete, the shoreline will be expanded and restored with native
plants, generating additional riparian habitat.

Increased truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir will continue as excavation work and
transfer of material to the south stockpile area continues. Signs along the trucking
routes are placed along the streets notifying times and dates of increased truck traffic
and any no parking zones as needed.

OSPR scientists continue to monitor the river and there have been no observed impacts
to wildlife.

Tanzanite Pond Incident Summary

OSPR field team responded to a release of red dye diesel fuel from a storage tank located at Commerce Road and Arena Blvd in the Natomas area of the City of Sacramento. The product flowed through a nearby storm drain and canal that runs along Interstate 5 and into the Tanzanite Community Park Pond on Nov. 14, 2022.

Staff from the US Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the City of Sacramento, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention & Response (OSPR) and Hines Interests Limited Partnership (representing the Natomas Development Partners LLC) formed a Unified Command (UC) to manage the cleanup of the spill response and impacted wildlife.

City of Sacramento officials closed public access to the park to support cleanup and wildlife capture operations for the oil spill during the response.

The UC oversaw the cleanup and assessment of the pond shoreline, the storm drains and the source of the diesel release. Cleanup crews removed diesel from the water surface and shoreline with a vacuum truck and sorbent pads, and deployed containment boom to keep the diesel from spreading. Cleanup crews cleaned the storm drains with high pressure washing to release oil from the shoreline sediment where it was then recovered from the water surface with sorbents.

OSPR activated the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) as part of the Wildlife Branch for the spill response. The Wildlife Branch conducted reconnaissance and captured and cared for affected wildlife including birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Impacted birds were treated at the San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center and impacted beavers were treated at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue.

Sacramento City Fire and U.S. EPA conducted real-time air monitoring around the pond and near the Natomas neighborhood. No readings indicated unsafe air quality levels.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, Sacramento City re-opened the basketball court and skate park, but the remainder of the park remained closed to the public to support cleanup and wildlife capture operations.

Cleanup crews completed work on the storm drains on Nov. 28. With rain in the forecast, responders replaced sorbent boom at the outfall to the pond and in the canal to capture product that could be mobilized by rain. Sheen appeared in the pond after heavy rain that week.

Fully cleaned and rehabilitated birds were released back to the environment on December 2, 7, 20 and 29. Fully Cleaned and rehabilitated beavers were released on December 15 and 29.

The Unified Command concluded the emergency response phase of the cleanup at the pond on Dec. 14, upon inspection and confirmation that cleanup objectives had been achieved.

Multi-Agency Investigation Ongoing in Santa Barbara County Petroleum Sheens

January 14, 2023

SANTA BARBARA ‑ A Unified Command of agencies continues to investigate and monitor petroleum sheens observed off Summerland Beach in Santa Barbara County. Lab results from multiple locations onshore and offshore of Summerland indicate the product is consistent with local natural seep oil.

The Pacific Ocean offshore Summerland Beach is an area with very active natural seeps. There are also an estimated 200 legacy wells near the beach, and while lab results indicate that the product is consistent with seep activity, it’s possible that one or more of those wells could also be a factor. The wells, which were drilled in the late 1800s and early 1900s and never properly abandoned, are believed to be relatively shallow compared to modern wells, which makes it nearly impossible to distinguish the oil from natural seepage in the area.

The State Lands Commission (CSLC), through its Coastal Hazard and Legacy Well Remediation Program, is investigating whether one of the legacy wells is discharging petroleum. They will have crews and divers survey the area and continue work on legacy wells that require remediation as funding allows. In recent years, the Commission has properly abandoned four legacy wells with state funding from SB 44 (Jackson, 2017).

Unprecedented high storm surge in recent weeks has eroded large amounts of sand at Summerland Beach. The extreme weather and tidal activity may have been a factor in this incident.

With confirmed lab results of natural seep oil and CSLC continuing their investigation of a potential legacy well discharge, the Unified Command plans to demobilize and return to normal agency operations. Through its Legacy Well Program, the CSLC will be the lead agency for ongoing monitoring and investigation at Summerland Beach. 

Shoreline assessment crews continue to monitor the beaches for environmental and wildlife impacts. One oiled bird was recovered by wildlife reconnaissance crews but it’s unknown if the bird was impacted from this incident.

Cleanup contractors were on-site in the initial days of the incident and have been on standby. The oil observed is not recoverable at this time. Agencies will continue to monitor the beach and offshore waters.

Air monitoring has been conducted by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and levels have not reached the threshold of being a risk to the public. Air monitoring efforts will continue into next week to ensure public safety.

The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The lab analysis was conducted by CDFW-OSPR.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #5

Dec. 8, 2022

Excavation work continues along the Upper Sacramento River at the Dunsmuir Railyard, where a Unified Command of state and federal agencies (including OSPR and Union Pacific Railroad), is overseeing cleanup and restoration efforts that stem from historic petroleum seepage. 

Crews have continued excavation directly behind a retaining wall along the river, removing soil to a depth of 10 feet. Officials are mitigating potential runoff from incoming storms by covering the soil and taking other precautions.

Excavated material is being loaded onto trucks that transport the material offsite to an appropriate waste disposal site. Construction of a stockpile area in the south railyard has been completed and trucking of excavated material to the stockpile area will begin this month. A de-watering system has been constructed in the north railyard in preparation of shoreline excavation planned for next year.

Truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir increased with the onset of excavation work to remove contaminated soil and to deliver clean fill. Signs are posted along the trucking routes and placed along the streets notifying times and dates of increased truck traffic and no parking zones as needed.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #3

Oct. 14, 2022

UPDATE on the Dunsmuir Historical Oil response: Excavation work is set to begin next week along the Upper Sacramento River at the Dunsmuir Railyard, where a Unified Command of state and federal agencies (including OSPR), is overseeing cleanup and restoration efforts that stem from historic petroleum seepage. 

Contractors will load excavated material onto trucks and will transport the material offsite to an appropriate waste disposal site. Construction of a stockpile area in the south railyard will be completed, and trucking of excavated material will begin as needed.

Truck traffic through the City of Dunsmuir will increase with the onset of excavation work to remove contaminated soil and to deliver clean fill. Signage along the trucking routes will be placed along the streets notifying times and dates of increased truck traffic and any no parking zones as needed.

American Challenger Coalition Update #18

Sept. 2, 2022

As of August 31, operations to remove the F/V American Challenger from the rocky shoreline north of Dillon Beach in Marin County have been suspended for the foreseeable future and equipment from the bluff and land-side staging areas has demobilized. Efforts over the last 18 months successfully removed 53,070 lbs of material from the vessel and all currently accessible oil pollution has been removed. With this phase of the response concluded, the Unified Command will transition to a group of coordinating agencies that will seek additional funding to address the remaining threats of pollution, marine debris, and habitat degradation to the marine environment posed by the American Challenger.

Questions can be directed to U.S. Coast Guard LT Sondrakay Kneen at: sondra-kay.d.kneen@uscg.mil or (510) 557-7104.

American Challenger Coalition Update #17

Aug. 22, 2022

UPDATE on American Challenger response: Contracted crews have successfully removed 53,070 pounds (~26.5 tons) of steel and other debris from the grounded fishing vessel via helicopter. All accessible petroleum products have also been removed from the vessel. Movement has been limited recently during pulling operations, and crews have begun the removal of pull chains and scaffolding. Demobilization is expected to continue through August.

As trustee for Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA will continue to work with involved federal and state agencies, including new partners, to identify project funding. The goal remains to address ongoing threats of pollution, marine debris, and habitat degradation to the marine environment posed by the American Challenger.

Involved agencies will continue to coordinate and respond as appropriate to pollution or wildlife concerns.

American Challenger Coalition Update #16

Aug. 1, 2022

American Challenger Update: A Unified Command continues response efforts to the 90-foot vessel that has been grounded within the rocky shoreline north of Dillon Beach in Marin County since March 5, 2021.

Salvage contractors were able to safely remove some petroleum product after pulling the vessel closer to the shoreline using cables affixed to a pulley system atop the bluff. The vessel was pulled approximately 50 feet with the apparatus.

Salvage plans had included dismantling the vessel, but the steel-hulled craft was not able to traverse several rocks after weeks of attempted pulling at pressures up to 300 tons.

Operations are ongoing to lighten the ship and access the remaining fuel tanks that haven’t been assessed yet. Approximately 4 tons of steel debris has been removed from the vessel including the anchor, anchor chain, anchor winch, and miscellaneous steel and cables. This debris was taken to a transfer site and will be disposed of by the U.S. EPA.

Operations will continue over the coming days as weather conditions allow.

American Challenger Coalition Update #15

7/16/22

UPDATE on American Challenger response: The joint agency Unified Command leading response efforts to the 90-foot fishing vessel that grounded on rocks in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in March 2021 is overseeing efforts to pull the vessel to shore where it can safely be removed.
Since pull operations began on July 9, the vessel has pivoted several feet from its original location and is also sitting more upright than previously observed.
Additional tactics are being implemented to facilitate further shoreward movement. As a precaution, boom remains staged nearby in case of a significant discharge.
Only an unrecoverable light sheen was observed near the vessel, which dissipated from being exposed to the weather and sea conditions. Crews assessed the area and no shoreline impacts were observed.
Wildlife observers continue to monitor for impacts during helicopter operations.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #2

June 29, 2022

A Unified Command of federal and state agencies, and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) continues to oversee cleanup and restoration at the Dunsmuir railyard, where historic petroleum seepage has impacted soil, groundwater, and the Upper Sacramento River.

Construction operations recently resumed following a winter hiatus and are expected to continue during the warmer months through 2023. So far this year, in addition to routine in-river boom maintenance and inspections, contractors have begun drilling and collecting soil samples as well as abandoning wells that lie within the footprint of planned excavations.

Planned work for the remainder of the project includes:

-Removal of riverfront retaining walls and the adjacent walkway -Excavation of oil-impacted soil along 1,000 feet of shoreline -Riverbank restoration along the shoreline to increase river capacity and create additional habitat for birds and fish.

CDFW-OSPR has monitored the waterway since 2018 and has not observed any impacts to wildlife. Additionally, the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) assessed the river (as recently as May 2022), and recommended the fishery remain open after concluding the situation did not reach the threshold of being a threat to public health.

(Scroll down for prior updates and background information on the response)

American Challenger Coalition Update #14

April 29, 2022

Recent storms have severely degraded the integrity of the vessel, damaging safety equipment recently installed in preparation for the vessel salvage operations. A unrecoverable sheen approximately 75-feet long was observed near the vessel this week during an overflight, but no impacted wildlife observed by wildlife observers on-site.
With continued changes to the vessel’s position and integrity, new plans are being developed for the destruction and removal. Before approving any plan, the Unified Command will evaluate the ability to continue safe operations and potential environmental impacts. Wildlife observers will remain on-site during operations.

American Challenger Coalition Update #13

March 29, 2022

A helicopter lifted out large bags of debris collected near the American Challenger this past week, as operational planning to remove the grounded 90-foot vessel continues. The debris removal project was funded by the U.S. EPA and CDFW-OSPR and items collected along the shoreline included a compressed gas cylinder.

The multi-agency Unified Command leading response efforts plans to execute the destruction plan in several phases, all pending environmental review. Work to prepare the vessel for safe boarding operations could begin as early as next week, depending on weather and ocean conditions.

American Challenger Coalition Update #12

March 11, 2022

The Unified Command overseeing response efforts to the American Challenger coordinated a safe boarding operation this week to assess the vessel’s current condition as part of a working plan for its removal and destruction. The joint agency command that includes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Marin County, and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary continues to respond to the 90-foot vessel that has been grounded within the rocky shoreline north of Dillon Beach in Marin County since March 5, 2021.

This week’s on-water assessment was made possible by weak tides and weather conditions. A shoreline cleanup operation is set for next week, as the U.S. EPA has secured funding to pick up hazardous materials and other debris identified on the shoreline near the vessel.

Pipeline 0919, Update #3

Unified Command

A Unified Command consisting of US Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and County of Orange continues to respond to an initial report of an unknown sheen approximately a half-mile offshore Bolsa Chica State Beach. A responsible party was identified, and work is underway to isolate the source of the sheen. 

Current Operations

Overflights conducted by the Unified Command today (December 24) confirmed no observable oil or sheen on the water or shoreline. Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams conducted reconnaissance surveys today from Belmont Shores to the Santa Ana River and confirmed no additional shoreline impacts.

Today, DCOR, LLC. joined the Unified Command as a responsible party for this incident. The oil is not associated with the discharge on Oct. 2, 2021, known as the Pipeline P00547 incident.

The source of sheening is in the vicinity of the DCOR pipeline. All platform and pipeline operations ceased, and the line is being monitored for additional oiling. A response boat is patrolling the pipeline to detect any indications of additional discharge of oil. A dive team will be mobilized early next week once weather conditions improve.

Protective strategies remain in place at Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Talbert Marsh, Newport Slough, and the Santa Ana River. Beach cleanup crews and oil spill response vessels are on-standby to remove oil.  There are no beach or marina closures and public volunteers are not needed as there is no indication of ongoing shoreline impacts.

Wildlife

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) is on standby and will respond to any reports of oiled wildlife. There have been no reports of oiled wildlife.

Unified Command
For Immediate Release
 
Date: 12/24/2021

Media inquiries can be directed to CDFW-OSPR Public Information Officer Eric Laughlin at Eric.Laughlin@wildlife.ca.gov. More information will be shared when it becomes available.

Pipeline 0919, Update #2

SAN PEDRO, Calif – The Unified Command (UC) consists of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), and Orange County.   Separate overflights conducted this morning by USCG, UC response air assets, and Orange County – resulted in no observations of recoverable oil/sheen or evidence of oiling of local beaches. At this time, based on aerial and on-water assessments, there is no indication of an unsecured discharge of oil.   Protective strategies at Bolsa Chica, Talbert Marsh and Newport Slough Wetlands remain in place. Beach cleanup crews and on-water recovery response vessels remain on standby ready to recover any product. Based on no observable on-water oil nor sheen, and no oil observed on beaches, the UC intends to remove protective strategies and release response resources on December 18.   UC received the preliminary results of oil samples collected near Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County on Wed. Dec. 15, 2021. Samples are inconsistent with natural seep oil and with the oil associated with the discharge on Oct. 2, 2021, Pipeline P00547 incident. The samples were collected by CDFW and USCG pollution responders and tested in the CDFW Petroleum Chemistry Laboratory. The USCG and CDFW will continue the investigation to determine the source of the oil spill and respond to reports of pollution to the environment.   The Office of Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is not recommending a fisheries closure.    Unified Command For Immediate Release   Date: 12/17/2021 Media Contact: 916-715-9072

Oil spill response underway in Huntington Beach, Orange County; Unified Command Established (Pipeline 0919 Incident)

SAN PEDRO, Calif – A unified command has been established to respond to an oil sheen reported a half-mile off Bolsa Chica State Beach.   The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), and Orange County.   Divers confirmed this afternoon that the mitigation measures for the Pipeline P00547, from an underwater pipeline oil spill in early Oct., remain in place and are holding.    Samples exhibiting characteristics of a petroleum product were collected from the oil sheen on Wed. Dec. 15, by CDFW and USCG responders, which is being tested at a CDFW lab to help identify the source.  Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique teams conducted reconnaissance surveys along the Orange County coastline including the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Talbert Marsh, and Santa Ana Riverbed and have not observed oil on beaches.   The Unified Command will conduct an overflight on the morning of Friday, Dec. 17, to further assess offshore areas for sheen.   Protective strategies at Bolsa Chica, Talbert Marsh and Newport Slough Wetlands remain in place. Beach cleanup crews and oil spill response vessels remain on standby ready to recover any product.    The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has been notified and remains on standby. Anyone observing oiled wildlife should not attempt to capture it.     Unified Command For Immediate Release   Date: 12/16/2021 Media Contact: 916-715-9072

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #1

Oct. 1, 2021

A unified command continues to oversee operations for removing contaminated soil from historical fuel tanks at the Dunsmuir Railyard.

Fuel from the tanks had been seeping into the Upper Sacramento River since the early 1900s and the current plan is geared toward removing the threat of further seepage. To date, there has been no observed impacts to wildlife and no threat to public health.

This week’s operations have included the use of an excavator to remove oiled sediment from the river bottom and to place a layer of absorbent material on the river bottom, secured by mesh bags of rocks to prevent oil and sheen in the river. This week’s operations have also included installation of rock-filled dams to isolate water flow and to prepare for further in-river soil excavation.

A contractor on the project has also been periodically replacing absorbent materials in the area that have collected fuel from the surface.

CDFW-OSPR crews have been on-scene daily to monitor for wildlife impacts.

Agencies, Union Pacific Railroad to launch cleanup work to remove historic oil contamination

United States Environmental Protection Agency California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Office of Spill Prevention and Response California Regional Water Quality Control Board

Sept. 8, 2021

DUNSMUIR, Calif. – A unified command that includes state and federal agencies and Union Pacific Railroad will begin cleanup next week to remove contaminated soil from historic fuel tanks, which were first used to fuel locomotives in the early 1900s. At the turn of the last century, the Dunsmuir facility (then operated by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company), was equipped with a steel tank with a capacity of 2.1 million gallons. The tank at that time held Bunker C fuel to power steam locomotives before it was replaced by a 200,000-gallon diesel tank in 1955. Unknown amounts of both fuels have seeped into the soil, groundwater and the Upper Sacramento River, since the early 1900s. Many attempts have been made over the last century to stop contamination into the river. Initial efforts in the early 1920s included construction of a 700-foot retaining wall and oil sump. In the decades that followed, more retaining walls, a skimmer system, and intercept trenches were built, as well as groundwater extraction and treatment systems, monitoring wells, and oil collection wells. The property was purchased from Southern Pacific by Union Pacific Railroad in 1996. In the years that followed, Union Pacific Railroad transitioned away from fuel storage and fueling operations at the site. By 2003, most of these activities had ceased. Current response activities stem from a citizen report of oil along the riverbank near the facility in 2018. As a result, a coalition of agencies including California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and Siskiyou County Environmental Health was formed following the 2018 report. Union Pacific Railroad’s recent response actions included the installation of containment booms in the river and a barrier where the seeps were observed. The coalition then transitioned to a unified command to develop a comprehensive plan for cleanup work. The unified command includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CDFW-OSPR, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Union Pacific Railroad. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order to address site-wide contamination and discharge. Additionally, the EPA issued a Clean Water Act (CWA) Order to Union Pacific Railroad requiring response actions to remove the discharge or to mitigate or prevent the substantial threat of a discharge of oil. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) has monitored the waterway and has not observed impacts to wildlife. Additionally, the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) assessed the river and recommended that the fishery remain open, after concluding that the situation did not reach the threshold of being a threat to public health. Union Pacific Railroad is covering all costs associated with the cleanup. Operations led by the Unified Command will address the immediate discharge to the Upper Sacramento River, and cleanup activities for additional contamination are being overseen by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to avoid the area during cleanup operations, as there will be containment booms and other apparatus in place.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #9

June 26, 2021

The Unified Command and contracting partners have been assessing American Challenger to determine its stability for removal. The decision was made to remove the vessel from its current location.
The response has recently accepted a proposal from a contractor for the removal and has also contracted for the wreck’s demolition and disposal shoreside.
Although no dates have been set, updates will be posted here.
(CDFW photo from June 4)

American Challenger Coalition – Update #8

May 21, 2021

Operations continued this week to assess and remove pollutants from the American Challenger, which grounded on the rocks north of Dillon Beach on March 5.
Crews successfully patched three holes in the vessel’s interior hull and completed an exterior sonar scan. The crews also removed a generator and hydraulic oil aboard, in addition to changing out absorbent materials within the vessel. OSPR prevention specialists are currently working to quantify product and other pollutants removed.
The response has begun to transition from a pollution assessment phase to a removal assessment phase. Over the coming weeks OSPR scientists will evaluate potential environmental risks from removal and marine engineers will continue evaluating best methods to dispose of the 90-foot vessel.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #7

May 14, 2021

Contractors continued operations to assess and remove pollutants from American Challenger, the 90-foot vessel that grounded on rocks in Marin County on March 5.

This week, divers evaluated application of external temporary patches. They are also using a sonar scanner to help evaluate the condition of the steel hull.

Additional pollutants and hazardous materials such as batteries, fire extinguishers, and hydraulic fluid continued to be collected from the vessel.

To assist with monitoring efforts, crews have installed a new camera system on the inside of the vessel.

Heavy coastal fog continued to create operational delays throughout the week. Weather permitting, crews plan to continue assessment efforts. A helicopter continues to be utilized for assessment and surveying operations.

(Photos courtesy Ballard Marine Inc.)

American Challenger Coalition – Update #6

Crews have completed assessment efforts for the four remaining petroleum tanks aboard American Challenger.

Approximately 650 gallons of oil/water mix was recovered from one of the tanks, along with approximately 7 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated debris and other miscellaneous hazardous materials. The vessel’s tow line was also removed from the water.

Access to pollutants in the engine room remain a challenge, based on the vessel’s disposition and variable weather and tides. Crews deployed absorbent pads within, but accessible oil and hazardous materials will continue to be addressed as operations progress.

Periodic oil sheens have been observed in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. Deployment of boom or other preventive measures were determined not to be effective due to the low quantity of product and challenging sea conditions. Efforts are underway to contain the petroleum and determine its source location and develop a long-term mitigation plan.

Additional environmental support has been integrated into the response to monitor potential impacts to wildlife, although there have been no reports of oiled wildlife since the incident took place on March 5. 

American Challenger Coalition – Update #5

April 23, 2021

The Unified Command has approved a plan to continue pollution assessments of American Challenger, based on preliminary findings from an accelerometer installed on the vessel April 14.  The device has provided data that has led marine engineers and the Unified Command to conclude that the vessel is stable enough to be boarded via helicopter drop-in to survey the 4 remaining petroleum tanks. The boarding operation is tentatively scheduled for April 26, and will proceed if additional safety analysis supports the plan. Operations will also be dependent on weather and tides, and once initiated will likely last 3 to 4 days.

Marin County emergency crews will be on standby and oil spill response equipment has been pre-staged to respond to any unexpected releases.

To date, there have been no reports of oiled or injured wildlife due to this incident.

This photo from April 14 shows Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter being used to lower marine salvage contractors onto the vessel to install the accelerometer. A helicopter will also be used for next week’s planned operations, as it’s the only safe way for crews to access American Challenger.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #4

April 14, 2021

Marine engineering contractors were dropped in by helicopter today to install an accelerometer onto American Challenger. The operation was part of a plan to determine safe access to the vessel so that pollution assessments can be completed. The accelerometer will monitor the stability of the vessel over time, providing data that will help determine the feasibility of getting onboard to examine four remaining petroleum tanks. 

The helicopter for today’s operations was provided by Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department as part of a mutual aid agreement. 

The American Challenger remains grounded on a rocky shoreline in Marin County just north of Dillon Beach. Contractors from the engineering firm and also from a marine salvaging firm were hired last week by the Unified Command leading the response. To date, there have been no reports of oiled wildlife from the incident.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #3

April 9, 2021

A coalition of local, state and federal agencies continues to monitor the grounded American Challenger. The Unified Command has engaged Ballard Marine Construction, a marine salvage company, and Glosten Engineers, a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering firm, to develop a plan to address safety concerns that have restricted access to the vessel. Once safety concerns have been addressed, the Unified Command intends to direct additional pollution assessments aboard the vessel.

Marin County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public advisory to refrain from approaching the vessel, as it is unstable and poses a serious safety threat.

To date there have been no reports of oiled wildlife from the incident.

The American Challenger, as seen from a drone flight on April 1. The vessel grounded on rocks in Marin County just north of Dillon Beach.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #2

April 2, 2021

A coalition of local, state and federal agencies continues to monitor the American Challenger, the 90-foot fishing vessel grounded on rocks north of Dillon Beach in Marin County.

Contractors specializing in marine engineering and safety are being hired to board the vessel to complete the pollution threat assessment. In the initial days of the response, crews led by state and federal agencies were able to access the ship and examine 13 of the 17 tanks on board. Operations to evaluate the remaining four tanks were called off due to safety concerns, as the vessel began to shift to an unsafe angle. Completion of the assessment will provide more information to determine the best way to remove fuel while protecting the health and safety of the public, responders, and the environment.

Marin County firefighters underwent refresher training on March 26, and are prepared to deploy oil spill containment resources promptly if the American Challenger or any other potential threat were to leak fuel that could impact sensitive habitat in Tomales Bay.

The American Challenger response is complex and involves multiple agencies with various authorities and jurisdictions. This coalition is committed to working together to find a safe, environmentally responsible solution, which will take time.

A CDFW drone captured this image of the American Challenger during an assessment on April 1, 2021.

American Challenger Coalition – Update #1

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Marin County Fire crews deployed containment boom in Tomales Bay today as a readiness exercise led by the U.S. Coast Guard and CDFW-OSPR. Although no fuel sheen has been observed around the grounded fishing vessel, American Challenger, since March 10, the fire crews are now better prepared to use the equipment in the event of a potential discharge. Tomales Bay is just south of the vessel grounding site and home to sensitive habitat including oyster beds. Local oyster farmers were present for today’s exercise and consulted with agency staff.

The American Challenger coalition continues its work to secure funding to address the potential pollution threat from the 90-foot vessel. A plan is being developed to safely allow experts to board the vessel to further assess the remaining fuel tanks. To date, there have been no reports of oiled wildlife as result of the incident.

American Challenger Coalition – Initial Statement

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A coalition of government agencies continues to explore options to secure funding to address the ongoing pollution threat from the American Challenger. The coalition has met several times over the past few days and discussions are ongoing.

The vessel remains grounded on a rocky shoreline near Dillon Beach in Marin County. Although sheening has not been observed around the vessel since March 10, it still poses a potential pollution threat to wildlife and sensitive habitat in the area. There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife.

The coalition includes representatives from NOAA’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.

Media inquiries can be directed to: Eric.Laughlin@Wildlife.ca.gov

American Challenger Response – Update #10

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – The unified command overseeing the response to the American Challenger declared an end to emergency oil pollution response operations. Oversight for the next response phase will shift to a coalition of agencies including NOAA’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services that will focus on addressing the longer term pollution threat and additional environmental concerns from the American Challenger, as well as determining the ultimate fate of the vessel.

The initial emergency oil pollution response efforts are scheduled to conclude at the end of the week when all the boom has been removed from Tomales Bay. Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary will continue to monitor the coast for evidence of impacts from the grounding and oil spill with regular and enhanced Beach Watch surveys. The sanctuary will also continue to coordinate in other ways with agencies involved in this incident. 

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

Media inquiries can be directed to maryjane.schramm@noaa.gov or eric.laughlin@wildlife.ca.gov 

American Challenger Response – Link to Open House

The Unified Command held a virtual open house for the public on Saturday, March 13.

A recording of the open house can be viewed with the following link and passcode:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/fiLMEXsC-z-ffn2snycbo43cVg3z6tGYC51vrhlduBfWxMy2SzrdJikGYf1JNWBe.axD_X1vGxSr8Im0J

Passcode: MQxY5E+.

American Challenger Response – Update #9

MARIN COUNTY, Calif – The Unified Command has suspended their oil pollution assessment of the American Challenger to preserve the health and safety of responders.  A shift in the positioning of the vessel has created an unsafe work environment in its current state.  Based on the preliminary assessment conducted, oil pollution threat appears to be minimal at this time. 

The next step is to transition into long term monitoring and risk mitigation operations under an updated unified command structure, with a new lead federal agency that will be announced in the future. 

On Monday, March 8^th, boom was put in place south of the vessel in Tomales Bay to protect sensitive sites in the event of an oil pollution spill. No sheen has been reported from aircraft and drone overflights around the ship since Wednesday.  

A net environmental benefit analysis was conducted by California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and NOAA’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, which indicated that the potential for damage to the sea floor due to long term deployment of boom outweighed the benefit of an extended preventative deployment based on the last conducted survey of the vessel.  Therefore, boom demobilization operations are scheduled to commence on Monday, March 15^th.  

The unified command completed the following:   

• Launched Coast Guard helicopter crews who conducted four overflights to assess signs of sheening from the American Challenger.  
• Conducted five drone overflights to determine pollution impact.  
• Contracted helicopter support to lower pollution assessment surveyors down to the vessel on multiple missions over the course of 2.5 days to assess fuel tanks aboard the American Challenger. Marin County Fire Department provided two water crafts as a safety platform during the vessel assessment.  

• Conducted daily shoreline assessments from Doran Beach to Tomales Bay.  
• Deployed preventative boom and applied absorbent pads to protect sensitive sites, including oyster beds, in Tomales Bay. 
• Deployed 100 interagency and contractor personnel, the Coast Guard Cutter Hawksbill, a Coast Guard boat crew, two Coast Guard helicopter crews, two local agency watercraft, five civilian work boats and three unmanned aerial assessment aircrafts. 
• Coast Guard Sector San Francisco issued marine safety information broadcasts via marine-band radio to inform mariners of boom operations in Tomales Bay.  

All beaches remain open. Miller Boat Launch will remain open throughout the weekend but will be temporarily closed starting Monday, March 15^th, to support boom removal operations. 

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

There are no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events at this time.  

Media inquiries can be directed to sectorsfpao@gmail.com 

American Challenger Response – Update #8

March 12, 2021

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – The unified command continued their response Friday to the grounded vessel American Challenger. 

Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team members conducted a drone overflight to assess the American Challenger. There were no new reports of sheening. 

Environmental shoreline assessment teams continued to conduct surveys in the area with no reports of debris. 

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

The unified command is scheduled to host a virtual open house for the public Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87996831064, where staff will present information on the current status and future plans of the response.  

Additionally, the American Challenger Response public survey can be found at the following site where Marin County residents can share their concerns ahead of the open house. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AmericanChallengerResponsePublicSurvey 

Media inquiries can be directed to sectorsfpao@gmail.com 

Photos courtesy Lind Marine Inc.

American Challenger Response – Update #6

March 11, 2021

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary continued to respond as a unified command Thursday, March 11, to the grounded 90-foot vessel American Challenger north of Dillon Beach.  

Marine survey operations remain suspended due to safety concerns regarding accessing the American Challenger. The Unified Command continues to monitor the situation. 

An environmental shoreline assessment team re-convened to conduct surveys in the area. Minor sheening was reported in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, but not in any other locations. 

Boom was deployed to protect sensitive habitats, including oyster beds in Tomales Bay, as a precautionary measure. Teams have been on site to monitor the boom and the Coast Guard is broadcasting a safety marine information bulletin to inform the public of booming operations in Tomales Bay.  

There have been reports of brown foam washing up along the beach, which have been assessed as normal biological material and not oil product.   

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders were notified Friday of the American Challenger being towed southward by the Tug Hunter when the Tug Hunter lost propulsion due to a rope entangling the propeller. 

The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hawksbill crew arrived on scene but due to weather conditions, the proximity to shore and the unknown structural integrity of the unmanned vessel, the crew could not safely board the American Challenger to connect a tow line. At 1 a.m. the vessel grounded on a rocky shoreline near Dillon Beach.  

All beaches remain open. Miller Boat Launch is temporarily closed due to response operations, but will be open on Friday. 

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

There are no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events at this time. 

The response is currently being funded by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Federal assumption does not relieve the owner of their financial responsibilities and they may be liable for the cost of any response actions undertaken by the United States Government. 

Media inquiries can be directed to sectorsfpao@gmail.com 

A virtual open house for the public is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87996831064 

Below is the link to the American Challenger Response Public Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AmericanChallengerResponsePublicSurvey

American Challenger Response – Update #5

March 10, 2021

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary continued to respond as a unified command Wednesday, March 10, to the grounded 90-foot vessel American Challenger north of Dillon Beach.  

Marine surveyors boarded the American Challenger to continue their inspection of the vessel’s fuel tanks until mid-morning when conditions deteriorated and became unsafe. Responders suspended operations for 24 hours to allow the vessel to stabilize further before assessing the feasibility of continuing with the inspection. 

Due to on-scene weather, environmental shoreline assessments were suspended and are scheduled to begin again tomorrow. 

Boom was deployed to protect sensitive habitats, including oyster beds, in Tomales Bay, as a precautionary measure. Teams have been on site to monitor the boom and the Coast Guard is broadcasting a safety marine information bulletin to inform the public of booming operations in Tomales Bay.  

There have been reports of brown foam washing up along the beach, which have been assessed as normal biological material and not oil product.   

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders were notified Friday of the American Challenger being towed southward by the Tug Hunter when the Tug Hunter lost propulsion due to a rope entangling the propeller. 

The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hawksbill crew arrived on scene but due to weather conditions, the proximity to shore and the unknown structural integrity of the unmanned vessel, the crew could not safely board the American Challenger to connect a tow line. At 1 a.m. the vessel grounded on a rocky shoreline near Dillon Beach.  

All beaches remain open. Miller Boat Launch remains temporarily closed to support response operations.  

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

There are no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events at this time. 

The response is currently being funded by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Federal assumption does not relieve the owner of their financial responsibilities and they may be liable for the cost of any response actions undertaken by the United States Government. 

Media inquiries can be directed to sectorsfpao@gmail.com 

American Challenger Response – Update #4

March 9, 2021

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary continue to respond as a unified command Tuesday to the grounded 90-foot vessel American Challenger north of Dillon Beach.  

Marine surveyors boarded the American Challenger to continue their inspection of the vessel’s fuel tanks by using sound tapes and paste to get an accurate reading of the amount of fuel aboard. Due to the vessel’s instability, the process will take time to ensure the safety of the surveyors.  

An environmental shoreline assessment team continued to conduct surveys in the area. There are reports of minor sheening in the immediate vicinity of the vessel and along the shoreline adjacent to the vessel. Teams are conducting cleanup efforts in that area. No additional sheening was reported during an overflight.  

Boom was deployed to protect sensitive habitats, including oyster beds, in Tomales Bay, as a precautionary measure. Teams have been on site to monitor the boom and the Coast Guard is broadcasting a safety marine information bulletin to inform the public of booming operations in Tomales Bay.  

There have been reports of brown foam washing up along the beach, which have been assessed as normal biological material and not oil product.   

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders were notified Friday of the American Challenger being towed southward by the Tug Hunter when the Tug Hunter lost propulsion due to a rope entangling the propeller. 

The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hawksbill crew arrived on scene but due to weather conditions, the proximity to shore and the unknown structural integrity of the unmanned vessel, the crew could not safely board the American Challenger to connect a tow line. At 1 a.m. the vessel grounded on a rocky shoreline near Dillon Beach.  

All beaches remain open. Miller Boat Launch remains temporarily closed to support response operations.  

There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife. If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach and contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. 

There are no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events at this time. 

The response is currently being funded by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Federal assumption does not relieve the owner of their financial responsibilities and they may be liable for the cost of any response actions undertaken by the United States Government. 

Media inquiries can be directed to sectorsfpao@gmail.com 

American Challenger Response – Update #3

March 9, 2021

Response efforts continued this morning, March 9, to conduct a survey of the vessel American Challenger and determined the pollution threat onboard. A shoreline assessment team will also conduct surveys to determine any shoreline impact. The safety of the responders on scene remains the priority and weather on the coast is predicted to deteriorate throughout the day. Responders will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation as the day goes on. A press release will be sent out at the end of the day (and posted here) summarizing the efforts of today’s operations.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Final Update #29

Nov. 19, 2025

A comprehensive cleanup and shoreline restoration project to remove oil and contaminated soil from the shoreline of the Dunsmuir Railyard site is now complete. The project will now move into a restoration phase.

The multi-year project stemmed from a citizen’s report of oil in the Upper Sacramento River in 2018, but the seepage problem had been going on for more than a century. In the early 1900s, the Dunsmuir facility (then operated by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company), was equipped with a steel tank with a capacity of 2.1 million gallons. The tank at that time held Bunker C fuel to power steam locomotives before it was replaced by a 200,000-gallon diesel tank in 1955. Unknown amounts of both fuels seeped into the soil, groundwater, and the river.

Many attempts were made over the last century to stop contamination from reaching the river. Initial efforts in the early 1920s included construction of a 700-foot long retaining wall and oil sump parallel to the river. In the decades that followed, more retaining walls, a skimmer system, and intercept trenches were built, as well as groundwater extraction and treatment systems, monitoring wells, and oil collection wells.

The recent project targeted the problem at its source. Oil and contaminated soil along the shoreline of the Site was excavated and hauled away and new soil brought in. Portions of the retaining wall were removed, and special barrier fill was installed to keep oil out of the river. The shoreline was also restored, increasing the width of the river and bolstering habitat.

From the beginning of project operations in 2021 through the end of the 2025 construction season and project’s completion, the following milestones were accomplished:

• Quantity of oil removed – 100,000 gallons

• Quantity of debris removed – 160,000 tons

• Length of shoreline planted for restoration – 1,500 feet

The project was led by a Unified Command of agencies and Union Pacific Railroad. Agencies include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response. The Site will continue to be regulated by the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Cleanup and Abatement Order which will address oil in soil and groundwater at the Site further away from the shoreline.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #28

Aug. 13, 2025

PUBLIC ADVISORY: Upper Sacramento River to be Temporarily Narrowed for Railyard Project

An active cleanup and shoreline restoration project continues at the Dunsmuir Railyard, adjacent to the Sacramento River. As part of an ongoing response action, a containment barrier will be installed this month, temporarily decreasing the width of the river. The barrier will contain any sediment or other waste product from the adjacent construction area. This narrowing of the waterway may impact kayakers or other river enthusiasts transiting the area.

The project began in 2021 and involves the removal of oil-impacted soil to be replaced with clean fill. The final surface will also be revegetated with native riparian plants. The project is being led by a Unified Command of agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Union Pacific Railroad.

Engineering controls have been installed to protect water quality. Collection and laboratory analysis of water samples will be conducted to assess potential impacts to public health and the fishery in the river.

A fishery closure was not recommended based on the 2024 assessment by the state Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OEHHA advises avoiding consuming fish caught in areas of visible sheen or odor. Measured concentrations in the surface water samples analyzed in 2024 did not exceed risk-based screening levels for recreational activity based on an individual being in the water 4 days/week and 3 hours/day.

For more information and updates on the Dunsmuir Historical Oil restoration project, please visit Cal Spill Watch at https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/

For any questions, please call: Peggy Ygbuhay, Sr. Director Public Affairs with Union Pacific Railroad at (916) 789-5957.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #27

July 9, 2025

The Dunsmuir Railyard Shoreline Response Action and Restoration Project Unified Command is hosting a Community Open House on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Dunsmuir Community Center at 4835 Dunsmuir Avenue. All are welcome to attend. The Open House will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, including response actions for 2025, and talk to subject matter experts.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #26

April 22, 2025

Operations for the 2024 work season have concluded, as well as habitat restoration of the site which continued into April 2025.

Final removal of in-river equipment was completed in December 2024 after the concrete and wooden retaining wall adjacent to the Sacramento River was removed.

Wet excavation of contaminated soil in the railyard was completed, and those areas were backfilled with clean barrier sand and vegetative soils.

These photos show before and after project completion.

From the beginning of project operations in 2021 through the end of the 2024 construction season, the following milestones were accomplished:

•             Quantity of oil removed – 75,000 gallons

•             Quantity of debris removed – 150,000 tons

•             Length of shoreline planted for restoration – 1,400 feet

Next update expected when work for the 2025 season begins this summer.   

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #25

Nov. 8, 2024

Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning November 4 included import and grading of barrier sand, foundation layer, and vegetative layer; placement of riverbed material; live cutting harvesting and initiation of live cut plantings for shoreline restoration.

The spill containment boom at Soda Creek was removed. A portion of the spill containment boom at Butterfly Bend was removed this week. Visual monitoring will be conducted for another week and then a schedule for full removal of the boom at Butterfly Bend will be developed.

Wet excavation and In-River Isolation Barrier (IRIB) realignment were completed during the week of October 28.

Next week’s work plan includes continued import and grading of barrier sand, foundation layer, and vegetative layer; placement of riverbed material; and harvesting live cuttings offsite and planting the cuttings for shoreline restoration. Operational hours will be Monday through Saturday, from 6 AM to 6 PM.

With the completion of all excavation activities for the year as well as realignment of the IRIB, this will be the final weekly Operations Update.

The remaining work for the year will consist of importing and grading clean material as backfill and planting medium, placement of riverbed material, harvesting live cuttings and planting of the restoration site, and IRIB removal.

Work hours for the foreseeable future will be Monday through Saturday, from 6 AM to 6 PM. Site restoration activities are expected to continue into December.

An end of season recap will be posted mid-December. 

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #24

Nov. 1, 2024

Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning October 28 included wet excavation; grading of barrier sand, foundation layer, and vegetative layer; placement of riverbed material; realignment of the In-River Isolation Barrier along the contour of the shoreline; and willow harvesting for shoreline restoration.  

Wet excavation has now been completed. Recontouring of the IRIB is anticipated to be completed by Saturday, November 2.

Next week’s work plan includes continued grading of barrier sand, foundation layer, and vegetative layer; harvesting willow trees offsite which will be planted along the river as part of the restoration plan; removal of the spill containment boom at Soda Creek and secondary/downstream boom at Butterfly Bend. 

Next week’s operational hours will be Monday through Saturday, from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #23

October 25, 2024

Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning October 21 included wet excavation, concrete installation to pit areas inside the roundhouse wall, and realignment of the In-River Isolation Barrier along the contour of the shoreline.  Wet excavation will continue and is expected to conclude next week.

Disposal of excavated material and importing of barrier sand into excavated areas will continue next week as well. Precautionary spill containment boom will be removed at Soda Creek, Butterfly Bend, and from the south side of the In-River Isolation Barrier, as work operations prepare to wind down for the winter.

Next week’s work plan includes harvesting willow trees offsite, which will be planted along the river as part of the restoration plan. Next week’s operational hours will be Monday through Saturday, from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Revision from October 18 Ops Update: Work will be occurring on Saturday, October 26th.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #22

October 18, 2024

UPDATE: Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning October 14 included concrete installation to pit areas inside the roundhouse wall.

The In-River Isolation Barrier (IRIB) is being modified and realigned to match the contour of the rocky riverbed base that was installed as part of the project.

The remaining wooden retaining wall sections have been transported to the south railyard stockpile pad to be loaded into train gondola cars to transport for proper disposal.

Efforts have been ongoing to import barrier sand into excavated areas, as well as irrigation to the restored shoreline at the north railyard.

Next week’s operations are set for Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM, and planned work includes continued concrete installation, IRIB realignment, and backfill operations.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #21

October 11, 2024

UPDATE: Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning October 7 included concrete installation to pit areas inside the roundhouse wall. Crews have continually monitored the area during this operation and have not observed sheen entering the river.

The In-River Isolation Barrier (IRIB) was modified and realigned to match the contour of the rocky riverbed base that was installed as part of the project.

The remaining wooden retaining wall sections have been transported to the south railyard stockpile pad to be loaded into train gondola cars to transport for proper disposal.

Efforts have been ongoing to import barrier sand into excavated areas, as well as irrigation to the restored shoreline at the north railyard.

Next week’s operations are set for Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 6 PM, and planned work includes continued concrete installation, IRIB realignment, and backfill operations.

Dunsmuir Historical Oil – Update #20

October 4, 2024

Dunsmuir Railyard operations for the week beginning September 30 included full removal of the remaining wooden retaining wall adjacent to the river.

The removed wall sections have been transported to the south railyard stockpile pad to be loaded into train gondola cars to transport for proper disposal.

Wet excavation is ongoing, as well as efforts to import barrier sand into excavated areas, and irrigation to the restored shoreline at the north railyard.

Next week’s operations are set for Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 6 PM, and planned work includes continued wet excavation and backfill operations.