The Alaskan Coast Guard recently responded to reports that a foreign vessel anchored in Alaska’s Dutch Harbor was leaking large amounts of ammonia into the waters, putting the marine life in the area as well as the local community at risk of toxic effects.
The vessel at fault was moored in the harbor when the Coast Guard launched an investigation in response to the reports. The ship was found to be carrying more than 20 000 pounds of the toxic chemical, and further investigation showed that ammonia was indeed leaking into the surrounding water. The Coast Guard sought the assistance of a hazardous material team who have been evaluating the water around the vessel. According to the response team, there are still dangerously high levels of ammonia within a 200m radius of the ship.
Part 155, Title 33 of United States Law deals with pollution by oil and other hazardous material that is transported by ships. Oil is the most commonly transported substance by ships that poses a large risk of contamination to the environment, and therefore the majority of the law mentioned above contain provisions regarding the transport of oil in navigable waters throughout the United States.
According to section 155.205 of the above mentioned law, large oil tankers and barges transporting oil that are in excess of 400 feet long must have equipment available to contain or clear accidental oil spills. There should be sufficient equipment on board to clear spills of twelve barrels or more. Any oil transporting ships that are less than 400 feet long should have sufficient equipment to clear spills of at least seven barrels of oil. The law also contains a section regarding the transportation of hazardous materials such as ammonia, and procedures to follow should a spill of such materials occur.
By law, any vessel carrying more than 250 barrels of a hazardous material such as ammonia such also have on board at least four barrels and sufficient hoses to drain or remove all hazardous cargo from a vessel.
Investigations are continuing as to the cause of the spill, and the impact on the environment and surrounding communities. As yet, there have been no reported injuries. If the investigation finds that the company who owns the ship is responsible for the leak, they may be held liable to pay compensation for any damage caused to the environment or toxic effects suffered by any people in the vicinity of the vessel.
