APRA HARBOR, Guam-A Unified Command has been established between Guam Shipyard, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, and Naval Base Guam to assist the privately-owned shipyard with the safe removal of several thousand gallons of stored petroleum products.
Since Coast Guard facility inspectors began their assessment of Guam Shipyard last week, an estimated 250,000 gallons of oil has been identified that must be removed from the facility.
The oil products were found in storage tanks located on a fuel barge, oil barge and dry dock, which are owned by the Guam Shipyard.
“The Coast Guard is charged by Congress with three broad roles: maritime security, maritime safety and maritime stewardship. As stewards of Guam's sensitive and vital marine resources, identifying and appropriately addressing a pollution threat before it can impact the environment is critical,” said Capt. Casey White, Coast Guard Sector Guam commander. “In coordination with Guam Shipyard and our local partners, we are taking every step necessary to work toward a permanent solution to remove the oil.”
All three storage areas identified to date are either on or near the water. It is important to note, no reports of oil products entering the waterways around the Guam Shipyard has been received but preventive measures have been taken to contain a spill should one occur. No violations have been issued to the Guam Shipyard at this time. The shipyard has deployed oil boom around the floating barge and has instituted a roving watch until a removal plan is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to remove all identified oil products. (USCG)
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