South Portland beach remains closed as authorities investigate oil spill
Photo / Jim Neuger
This was the scene yesterday afternoon at Willard Beach, which is closed to the public until further notice following an oil spill that authorities are investigating.
A popular South Portland beach remains closed to the public for a second day on Thursday amid state and federal efforts to clean up and investigate an oil spill that reached the city's storm water drainage system and discharged into the water at Willard Beach.
Response operations are being led by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, supported by representatives from the he U.S. Coast Guard and the City of South Portland.
They announced the closure in a joint statement Wednesday which said a responsible party had been identified and no additional discharge had occurred since Tuesday night, nor is further discharge from the source anticipated.
On Thursday, DEP spokesman told Mainebiz that the agency has opened an enforcement case, and that damages will be determined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Asked about the source of the spill, he would only say that "work was done in the area of the former Hill Service Station on Cottage Road," and that DEP is looking into the matter.
Initial estimates put the spill volume a quarter of a mile long by four to five feet wide, and was mostly underground in a culvert, Madore said.
"Currently, there is no estimate on damages," he added. "Our focus is on clean-up."
On Wednesday afternoon, the beach was uncharacteristically deserted on an unusually hot and humid day with temperatures in the upper 80s, save a large sign at the entrance indicating the beach is closed until further notice and a red flag flying. The nearby parking lot was also closed to the public.
In yesterday's joint announcement, state and federal authorities warned that while neighbors may notice some petroleum-related odors as a result of the spill, authorities indicate there is no danger to public health.
Reopening will be assessed daily as cleanup efforts continue and results from soil/ and and testing are analyzed.
“This incident highlights the strong partnerships we have at the federal, state and local level here in South Portland. This is a team effort, and we certainly appreciate the cooperation of all involved agencies," regional U.S. Coast Guard Captain Amy Florentino said in a statement Wednesday. "The safety of the public is our primary concern.”
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