Diesel fuel spill into Lake Superior contained
Fuel spill near Northshore Mining in Silver Bay. (WDIO)
A diesel fuel spill near the Northshore Mining Co. facility in Silver Bay was contained Wednesday evening.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported the spill volume estimate was 373 gallons of red dye diesel fuel. A vacuum truck was on site as of Thursday morning to recover the fuel.
Gallagher Marine Systems reported the spill to the Minnesota Duty Officer when it happened on Wednesday. The spill occurred during a fuel transfer between the articulated tug and barge Clyde S. VanEckenvort.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will continue to work on-site with local officials on the cleanup efforts. Current work includes safely separating the two vessels and continuing with containment, recovery, and cleanup. The investigation into potential impacts to the environment, wildlife, and marine life will be a priority as the cleanup progresses.