Cleanup Efforts Begin After Oil Spill in Plaquemines Parish

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Teams working diligently to contain the oil spill in Plaquemines Parish.

News Summary

A significant oil and natural gas spill has occurred in the marshlands of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, prompting immediate cleanup efforts. Approximately 180 responders, including the Coast Guard and Spectrum OPCO, are working to contain the spill that originated from a capped well. As of now, over 11,700 feet of containment boom have been deployed, and ongoing aerial surveys are being conducted to assess the situation. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or wildlife impact, while the investigation into the cause of the leak continues.

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana – Cleanup efforts are underway following a significant oil and natural gas spill in the marshlands of Plaquemines Parish. The spill originated from a previously capped well owned by Spectrum OPCO, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, near Garden Island Bay. Approximately 180 responders are working tirelessly to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the leak, which was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard on April 26, 2025.

The U.S. Coast Guard has released images showing the response teams actively engaging at the spill site, where they are implementing containment and absorbent measures to safeguard the surrounding ecosystem. As of the latest updates, responders have deployed around 11,700 feet of containment boom, with an additional 2,300 feet readily available if needed. In total, they have utilized 544 bales of absorbent boom to protect nearby islands and have recovered approximately 32,718 gallons of an oily water mixture.

The Unified Command established for this incident comprises the Coast Guard, Spectrum OpCo LLC, and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office. Crews are also utilizing six MARCO skimmers and six drum skimmers as part of their response strategy. As part of safety measures, a safety zone has been enforced, prohibiting vessels from entering within one nautical mile of the spill and limiting flights to altitudes below 2,000 feet within a two-mile radius.

Despite the prevalence of oil leakage, no injuries or negative impacts on local wildlife have been reported at this stage. The cause of the leak is currently being investigated. The exact amount of oil and natural gas that entered the marshlands remains undetermined, and ongoing aerial surveys are being conducted to monitor the situation.

The leaking well, originally drilled in 1942, had been shut in since 2015 and recently experienced a change in ownership. Although the well had passed prior inspections, it was noted for missing signage in both 2008 and 2023, which sparked concern regarding its maintenance and overall safety.

Authorities from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) are actively monitoring the cleanup efforts and response strategies, ensuring that the containment is effective and that the impact on the environment continues to be minimized. As part of these efforts, air monitoring has not indicated immediate health concerns within the response area, allowing responders to proceed effectively with their operations using well-intervention equipment such as capping tools, storage barges, and cranes.

The situation remains fluid as the investigation continues and response teams work diligently to address the spill. It is vital for the affected community and environment that the cleanup process is thorough, and the cause of the leak is understood in order to prevent future incidents.