SEKIU — About 100 gallons of diesel spill were spilled near Sekiu this morning, and some drained into Clallam Bay.
Starting at about 10 a.m., personnel from the state Department of Ecology, Coast Guard and Clallam County Fire District 5 assisted in cleaning up at Olson’s Resort.
The spill occurred when construction crews attempted to siphon fuel from a truck but lost control of the transfer hose, Ecology spokeswoman Linda Kent said in a prepared statement.
An Olson’s Resort representative said that the cleanup was essentially complete by about 5 p.m., and that the spill did not affect the resort’s business.
State and federal authorities sent responders and investigators to the site.
“The spill is largely contained at this time, and responders are working to plan cleanup strategies,” Kent said in the statement issued late Tuesday.
“Some of the spilled fuel went into a storm drain and reached the water in a nearby bay,” she added.
The Coast Guard conducted flights to determine the magnitude of the spill while absorbent pads, a boom and other containment equipment were put into place.
No visible oil sheen was reported by air crews.
“All oil spills cause environmental damage, regardless of size,” Kent said.
“Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil hits water,” she added.
“A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.”
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
