Oil spill near Corpus Christi after Christmas larger than reported
Initially, the USCG said about 98 barrels, or 3,800 gallons of crude oil spilled in the Corpus Christi Bay from a pipeline that had cracked in multiple places. After an analysis on Friday, December 30, that number grew more than three times to 335 barrels, or 14,000 gallons, according to a statement by Flint Hills Resources, which is a refining and chemicals company with operations primarily in Texas and the Midwest.
In a statement on Sunday, January 1, the company disclosed more locations in Corpus Christi Bay where clean up is under way, including near Dock 5 at Flint Hills Resources Ingleside Crude Oil terminal, the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, North Beach, Indian Point, Nueces Bay, the Rookery Island, and the Dredge Material Placement Area.
More than 60,000 feet of boom and more than 3,000 absorbent pads have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts and protect sensitive habitat and shoreline.
Pollution responders use oil skimmers to collect oil in the La Quinta Channel in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, Dec. 25, 2022.
Courtesy, U.S. Coast Guard District 8
Boom contains an oil spill in the La Quinta Channel in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, Dec. 25, 2022.
Courtesy, U.S. Coast Guard District 8U.S. Coast Guard place boom to contain oil spill near Corpus Christi
“Flint Hills Resources continues to work in full cooperation, oversight and coordination with local, state and federal authorities, including the US Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office, and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, who have all been providing assistance,” the company said in a press release.
It’s also working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to respond to reports of impacted wildlife.
The cause of the December 24 incident is still under investigation.
