Swans, mallard ducks, and muskrat were retrieved, rehabilitated and released. Pepco's pipeline management company detected and confirmed the leak from a 12-mile branch of the 51-mile underground pipeline on April 7, 2000 at 6pm. By 7pm, the utility company had more than 1 mile of booms in place containing the number 2 fuel oil, which is similar to home heating oil, and a slight amount of the heavier Number 6 oil. Pepco's response efforts are to be commended.
This heavily oiled Mute Swan was cleaned by staff member Chris Hewitt. The swan and two others recovered nicely at the Sanctuary in Bowie Maryland.
According to Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Potomac Electric Power Company, "The guidance and cooperation from the many government agencies who have responded here has played a significant and positive role in managing the impact of this unfortunate accident. We are eager to protect wildlife and sensitive wetland area and intend to restore the marsh and any other shoreline to their original beauty."
This duck takes a rest after being washed before
being placed in a warm, dry, oil free cage.
Much Happier and Cleaner Residents of the Patuxent River
Photo's from an oil spill rescue at a creek in
Laurel Maryland in February 1999.
First the animals have to be caught. We rely on good communications and volunteers to get the help we need to rescue all the animals we can find. At this oil spill we captured 1 oppossum, 2 turtles, 1 dove and 52 ducks.
Each animal is given an ID leg band, examined and treated by trained staff. They are then cleaned up and put in safe warm areas to rest. All of the above boxes have animals in them waiting their turn for a check up and cleaning! It is very exhausting work when there are so many to help at one time. Thank goodness for volunteers!
It really is tiring to wash duck after duck while leaning over a sink. When they are all done and recovering we then rest and recover ourselves. (pizza time!) It takes many people and many hours to do an oil spill rescue.
