The crab-fishing vessel Billikin released 230 gallons of diesel fuel to the water on June 6, 2008 during a fuel transfer between on-board tanks. The vessel was preparing for a return to service after a three-year layup. A gauge to monitor the level in the receiving tank gave a false reading, and the tank overflowed. Ecology investigators determined that the equipment, having been out of service for the long period of time, should have been checked and serviced before it was put back in use.
On June 17, 2008, while moored at a fueling dock, the Billikin released half a gallon of diesel fuel to the water during another fuel transfer between on-board tanks. In this case, Ecology investigators found that improperly labeled control valves misled the crew into filling the wrong tank, which caused the overflow.
Ecology and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to both spills to oversee Trident’s cleanup efforts.
“I appreciate and am encouraged by Trident’s efforts over the past few years to upgrade its fleet and train its officers and crews to prevent spills,” said Dale Jensen, who heads Ecology’s Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program. “Trident responded quickly and cooperated fully to clean up after these Seattle spills. Preparation, caution and attention should have prevented these spills from happening in the first place.”
Trident has embarked on a series of safety and spill-prevention reforms within its 42-vessel fleet, prompted both by Ecology and the Coast Guard, and the company’s own initiatives.