The Flint Hill Resources oil spill in Corpus Christi Bay was almost four times larger than originally reported, the oil company said.
Flint Hills Resources said 335 barrels of light crude oil spilled into the La Quinta Canal due to a pipe failure. not 90 barrels as originally intended, according to Sunday’s news release. The new estimate is about 14,000 gallons of oil.
The Coast Guard said the spill occurred on the night of December 24 at the Flint Hills facility in Ingleside, located across the bay from Corpus Christi.
AT news releaseThe Coast Guard said the pipeline cracked in several places and the spill covered an area of about 300 by 20 yards.
Flint Hills said Friday’s analysis showed the spill was more severe and caused more damage.
So far, 13 dead birds have been found in the affected area, and one turtle has been treated for a possible infestation. It is reported by the Caller-Times of Corpus Christi..
Crews are using 3,000 absorbent pads and 60,000 feet of boom to help clean up the spill. The Caller-Times reported that the cleanup was “largely complete” and 145 barrels had been recovered.
“Ground and air patrols continue to identify areas of Corpus Christi Bay requiring cleanup,” Flint Hills said in a release. “Cleanup efforts have been and/or are ongoing at various locations in Corpus Christi Bay, including near Dock 5 at Flint Hills Resources Ingleside Crude Oil Terminal, Ship Canal, North Beach, Indian Point, Nueces Bay, Rookery Island, and Dredger Placement Area (DMPA10).”
To report affected land or oil slicks, call the Flint Hills Resources Ingleside Response Center at 361-396-2831.
The Coast Guard, Texas Lands General, Port of Corpus Christi, Port Authority of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Oil Spill Association, Miller Environmental Services, USA DeBusk, and Horizon Environmental are monitoring the spill.
The cause of the pipeline accident is still being investigated.
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