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M/V Jupiter

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS BASED ON THE MOST CURRENT DATA PROVIDED TO NOAA. - M/V
Jupiter:  Resources at Risk  The following natural resource at risk information is
provided in regards to the potential release of gasoline from the M/V Jupiter on the
Saginaw River across from Bay City.  The gasoline cargo on the vessel is currently on fire
but spillage into the river has not occurred.  If spilled, the area of impact is expected
to include downriver areas and Saginaw Bay.  There are several natural resource issues
which should be considered in the event of a release.  The Saginaw River is mainly lined
by piers, bulkheads, and other man-made structures.  Small sections of fringe wetlands are
sporadically found along the river.  Specifically, these wetlalnds occur on the east side
of the river between the Coast Guard station, the power plants, and the Army Corps of
Engineers. Wetlands on the west side of the river occur in small pockets between man-made
structures.  Because of the highly industrialized nature of the Saginaw River, these
wetlands are considered to be of "limited value".  The Alpin Beach Environmental Area is
located at the mouth of the river and is considered a waterfront area of high natural
quality.  Wetlands considered to be highly sensitive are located at the Quinisec Wildlife
Area on Saginaw Bay, 1-1.5 miles east of the mouth of the Saginaw River.  A release of a
large pulse of gasoline would be highly damaging to marsh communities (marsh grasses and
associated organisms) with which it comes into direct contact.  A number of state
protected plants occur in the area of the spill. Such plant species include the prairie-
fringed orchid, Clinton's Bulrush, and Golden Dock.  Maps of the locations of these
species can be obtained from Mary Cline (Michigan Natural Features, 517/373-1552).
Response personnel should be aware of these plant species during response operations.  A
number of dead fish (several adult walleye and other unknown species) have already been
discovered along the banks of the Saginaw, down river of the M/V Jupiter.  Though no
gasoline has spilled into the river, Michigan DNR is theorizing that the shock waves from
yesterdays explosions had an adverse affect on the local fish communities.  Several adult
fish species such as walleye are currently ascending the river.  Egg, and fry fishery life
stages are expected to be at a minimum at this time of year. However, a smaller walleye
spawn is reported to occur in the fall.  Limited amounts of wildlife are found along the
Saginaw River, although certain species distributions are noteworthy.  Two bald eagle
territories have been identified in the area.  One of these territories is located about
one mile upriver of Bay City (Crow Island State Game Area) near the airport and the other
is located at the the Quinisec Wildlife Area.  Eagles preferably consume carrion (dead
prey).  During spills carrion can become contaminated by spilled oil, hence, contaminating
these raptors. Because bald eagles are endangered, they warrant special consideration
during spills.  A great blue heron rookery is located on the river and the black-crowned
night heron (a threatened species) also occurs at two sites along the river.  If a spill
occurs, herons may consume contaminated foodstock.  Other endangered species which may be
in the area at this time of year include the piping plover and the peregrine falcon.
These two species are not commonly sited in the region.  This area is also a major
waterfowl migratory area with ducks and geese prefering Saginaw Bay to the river.
Waterfowl populations have been observed in the Quinisec Wildlife Area and around the
Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) Island, 1 mile north of the river mouth in the Bay.  If a
spill occurs, waterfowl can come into contact with gasoline while resting on the water or
while feeding.  In the event of a release of a large quantity of gasoline, it can be
expected that plant and animal species near the ship, down river, and (possibly) the
extreme upper portion of the bay would be severely impacted (including death).  The area
of impact is dependent upon the amount of gasoline entering the water.  Severe localized
impacts to water-column organisms are expected to occur within the first 24 hours of the
release, afterwhich most of the gasoline will have evaporated or have been sufficiently
diluted. Tank experiments have shown that dissolved benzene evaporate rapidly from the
water column.  Current sunny weather conditions should speed evaporation in the event of a
spill.  Also, it has been reported that the fire fighting foam which is being used to
control the fire is "AFFF".  This substance is 100% soluble in water and is moderately
toxic (LC50 for rainbow trout is 510 ppm). Though it can be difficult to control where the
foam ends up when applied, it is recommended that as little of the foam enters the river
as is operationally possible. hotline