May 15, 2001 — Local environmental officials and the U.S. Coast Guard were out Monday investigating the globs of oil that washed up on St. Croix’s South Shore over the weekend.
An accumulation of tar balls and petroleum globules began washing up on the island’s southeast shore on Friday, Dean Plaskett, Planning and Natural Resources commissioner, said. Although the Coast Guard was involved in the investigation, he said, the amount of debris doesn’t call for a "federalization" of a possible cleanup.
Plaskett said the oil was reported by the management of the Divi Carina Bay Hotel, where it was noticed on Friday. The globs continued washing ashore over the weekend and were found as far west as Great Pond Bay, Plaskett said. There were no immediate reports of marine or wildlife being affected.
"We don’t think it is as serious as we first thought," Plaskett said. But until the globs dissipate, he said, "We will continue to warn residents to avoid these areas."
A Planning and Natural Resources employee said it was likely the oil came from a sea-going vessel — from the bilge, or because of a mechanical malfunction or a spill.
If oil makes contact with the skin, it can be removed with a liquid dishwashing detergent.
Plaskett asked that anyone encountering wildlife affected by the oil call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 772-1955 or the Animal Shelter at 778-1650. For more information on water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-0565.
