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BARGE CIBRO SAVANNAH

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS BASED ON THE MOST CURRENT DATA PROVIDED TO NOAA. - A meeting
of resource agencies was held at 0800 at the command post.  The USCG reported an apparent
increase in oil observed in the Kill. Sheen had been observed in the Kill from Newark Bay
south to Raritan Bay. Overflights were conducted today at 0700 , 0945, and 1530.  From the
morning overflights: Extensive boom has been deployed, but oil is passing under it in some
locations.  Only one skimmer was observed working.  Oil was seen to the west of Shooters
Island on the north and was present to the south end of Staten Island. From the afternoon
overflight:  There has been an overall reduction in observable oil.  The northern and
southern extents of water borne oil have been reduced during today's bright sunlit (50
degree) day.  Contract activity was observed at several collection points (Rossville &
east of Pralls Is.). Generalized sheen was observed in streaks from the barge to
Outerbridge Crossing. Ed Levine participated in extensive and detailed discussions with
the RRT, and both New York and New Jersey representatives responsible for the use of
Elastol.New Jersey consented to testing and possible operational use of Elastol on the
condition of a concurrent sampling and analysis program.  New York State felt that this
was not the time to experiment, but would allow use of Elastol in the case of a
catastrophic release from the barge. A bird risk analysis survey was conducted today by NJ
Fish & Wildlife personnel. Weather and current information was obtained from MASS for
offloading and cleaup activities today. A discussion with NY State and NY City resulted in
a request for oil sample analyses (CG COIL lab data). Gary Ott obtained two oil samples
from the Strike Team (one oil-water emulsion, one pure product from the barge).  These
samples were sent to LSU to investigate possible reasons for the rapid occurrence of the
emulsion. Two overflight maps were produced and distributed today.  Other information
products included an incident phone list and a graphic of the barge indicating tank
layout, size, and location of damage. Operationally, marine architects continue to
evaluate the structural condition of the barge.  As of 7 March,  3000 bbl are missing from
the barge (both lost in the fire and leaked into the water). Offloading to another barge
started at 1230 . As of 1530, 3000 bbl had been transferred.  Future offloading will be
conducted during daylight hours only and with continuous monitoring. As of 0800: 43,000
gallons of oil had been recovered hard boom deployed 25,000 ft vac trucks 17 sausage boom
1500 ft. skimmers 3 boom on hand 11,000 ft work boats 4 cleanup personnel 60 Tomorrow, a
multi-agency shoreline impact assessement of Pralls Island will continue.  This work need
to be completed prior to the spring migration of birds through the area.  Overflights will
continue. Operationally, the focus will be on the continued safe transfer of oil from the
barge. NOAA personnel on-scene: Levine, Ott, Dale.