Faulty pipe blamed for oil spill at Port of Los Angeles

Crews continued work on Tuesday to clean up an oil spill in the Port of Los Angeles that now is being attributed to faulty piping in the 577-foot cargo ship, Istra Ace.

An initial investigation points to the piping that may have allowed oil to leak from the starboard side of the ship, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, six oiled birds have been observed by Califoia Fish and Wildlife recovery teams but Steve Gonzalez, a spokesman for the agency, said Monday news reports that three birds were being treated by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network were not accurate.

The ship was seen leaking heavy fuel in the Cerritos chael at Berth 198 Sunday when it came into the port. The shipping company has contracted with the National Response Corporation Environmental Services and other sub-contractors to assist in the effort to contain, clean and recover the oil.

An additional 1,600 feet of boom barrier has been added to the 15,600 feet of the original boom material that was placed around the vessel. The barriers have “successfully contained the oil within the affected area preventing further contamination of the harbor,” according to the Coast Guard’s statement.

Meanwhile, recreational and commercial vessel traffic is still restricted in the area which is near the Wilmington Marina Parkway.

A helicopter flight conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department on Monday, meanwhile, helped determine the extent of the oil spill. On Tuesday, the shipping company hired a private aircraft to survey the impacted area as well.

Contractors are using sweepers and absorbent pads in the cleanup work and are also using resources to remove any contamination from other vessels, docks, pilings and other structures.

Altogether, 18 response vessels are working on the spill.

Operations of the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Bridge continue to be suspended, restricting vessel traffic from moving under the bridge. Automobile traffic has not been affected.

The shipping company has set up a claims process for those who believe the pollution incident has impacted them. To make a claim, call 888-850-8486.

Those who spot oiled wildlife are asked not to try to capture the animals but to call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 877-823-6926.

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The Coast Guard and Califoia Fish and Wildlife are overseeing the response effort with monitoring assistance from the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.