Silver Bay fuel spill cleanup finished

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports a diesel fuel spill in Silver Bay has been cleaned up.

It took work crews a week to clear 373 gallons of red dye diesel fuel near Northshore Mining, according to the agency.

“Initial investigations found no signs of stressed vegetation or wildlife. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will continue to closely monitor impacts to environment, wildlife, and marine life,” a press release said.

The spill happened May 29 near Northshore Mining. Crews contained it with the help of the Coast Guard.

“The investigation determined that the fuel release happened during a transfer between internal tanks on a tug portion; initial reports that the spill occurred during a transfer between the tug and a barge were found to be incorrect,” Beverly Godfrey from the MPCA wrote Thursday.

According to federal regulations, because the spill was less than 1,000 gallons, it is considered minor.

“Work on the lake’s surface water and rocky shoreline included safely separating the two vessels as well as containment, recovery, and cleanup of the spilled fuel,” the news release said. “The cleanup efforts included containment booms, absorbent pads, skimmers, vacuum trucks, boats, a drone, and modeling equipment.”