A Coast Guard unit specializing in cleaning oil spills in waterways is responding to the site of a massive ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Associated Press reports. The source of the oil spill appears to be an access well operated by Talos Energy three miles south of Fourchon, Louisiana.
A non-profit organization formed by oil and energy exploration companies reported sent boats to skim the oil off the surface of the water, but its crews have only collected 42 gallons of oil since Wednesday. Photos reviewed by the Associated Press show the oil slick is not threatening the Louisiana shoreline but has extended 12 miles.
Talos has denied its Bay Marchand exploration platform is the source of the leak, but the company is dispatching two boats to extend booms to collect oil, and it is also sending another crew to investigate the source of the leak.
“Talos will continue to work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other state and federal agencies to identify the source of the release and coordinate a successful response,” the company’s statement said. “The company’s top priorities are the safety of all personnel and the protection of the public and environment.”
The Bay Marchand spill is one of more than a dozen oil spills and other contaminants in the area, most of which were caused by Hurricane Ida traveling through the region.