The unified command consisting of the Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office and Time Energy has decided the best way to clean up the spill at Cox Bay in southern Plaquemines Parish is burn off the oil.
If the weather conditions are favorable, the first of two scheduled burns will light off at 8am, Wednesday. The burn will last until 4pm. A secondary burn day is scheduled for the next day if weather delays operations.
In-situ site burning is one of several response options aimed at reducing environmental impact when responding to spills in marshland habitats, according to a Coast Guard media release.
Key federal agencies including Regional Response Group 6 of the Environmental Protections Agency were consulted. Their conclusion found an in-situ burn was the best technique to safely address the threat and mitigate impact from the oil discharge.
There is no reported impact on wildlife.