The Washington State Department of Ecology reported Tuesday that an operation responding to a diesel fuel spill on Thea Foss Waterway Monday morning was winding down.

The Department of Ecology, United States Coast Guard, Tacoma Fire Department and Tacoma Public Works Department responded to the spill after it was reported at 6:46 a.m.
Investigators from the agencies believe the bilge pump on the recreational vessel Overbudget spilled an estimated 50 to100 gallons of diesel fuel while tied up at Tacoma’s Dock Street Marina, 1816 Dock St. The exact cause is still under investigation.

By the time responders arrived, most of the spilled diesel had already dissipated and could not be recovered. But as a precaution, the fire department laid out 800 feet of containment boom and placed absorbent materials in the water to capture any pockets of diesel.

Tacoma Fire Department sent a fire engine, their Hazardous Materials team and fire boat to the scene. Tacoma Public Works personnel also responded. The boat’s owner hired contractor NRC Environmental Services to clean up the spill.

Local, state and federal response agencies and NRC Environmental Services spent the morning containing the spilled fuel, recovering as much spilled fuel from the environment as possible, taking samples and investigating the cause of the spill, and assessing potential shoreline and wildlife impacts.

The Department of Ecology’s responders say the sheen will continue to break down this week but may still be visible.