USCG Press update 10-31

San Francisco, CA
Subject USCG Press update 10-31
Posting Date 2009-Oct-31

UPDATED(10/31): Oil Spill Cleanup Operations Continue Today in the San Francisco
Bay; Fisheries Closure Established
Alameda, Calif. – Cleanup operations continue today in response to yesterday's
oil spill in San Francisco Bay.   The spill is estimated to be between 400 and
800 gallons.

Today’s cleanup response will consist of skimming and booming operations.
Shoreline monitors will be conducting reconnaissance operations on water and on
area beaches. Aerial assessments will also be conducted to determine the extent
and location of any remaining oil.

No confirmed oiled wildlife has been observed at this time. The Oiled Wildlife
Care Network (OWCN) will continue search and reconnaissance operations today.
The public is asked not to attempt to rescue oiled wildlife, but instead to
report any sighting to the OWCN at 1-877-823-6926.

The California Department of Fish and Game, upon recommendation of the Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), has suspended fishing and
shellfish harvesting in the areas affected by the oil. The suspension will
remain in effect until state health officials have determined that fishing can
be reopened.

Precautionary closure areas include the Alameda County shoreline between the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the San Mateo Bridge. In addition, OEHHA is
advising that the community avoid fishing in areas where there is a visible sheen.

OEHHA's safety guidelines call for avoiding consumption of any fish or shellfish
from the spill area until analysis of the collected samples is completed.
Visible oil or oily smell are obvious indications of contamination, but fish and
shellfish from the spill area could still pose a potential risk even if there
are no visible signs of contamination.