The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating reports of pollution caused by Hurricane Isaac along the Gulf Coast. Cases range from oiled wildlife to overturned railcars containing hazardous chemicals.
Captain Peter Gautier says Hurricane Isaac has left some damage in its wake. He says about eight oiled birds were found in one area in Louisiana, with the oil probably coming from storage tanks at a closed terminal.
“We’re all very sensitive to oil spill response, especially in the wake of Deepwater Horizon," said Gautier. "This is one that we’re on top of and that over the next couple of days we’ll be able to clean up, and we’ll be able to deal with the oiled wildlife.”
Oil samples have been sent to a Coast Guard lab in Connecticut to determine if oil from the BP spill in 2010 is coming ashore. Results are expected next week.
