Officials: Origin of oil spill not found

Published 11:37 am Monday, March 3, 2008

An oily sheen spotted off Edmonds just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, was a relatively minor one that dissipated before investigators could retrieve samples for testing. No residue appeared to have made it to the shoreline.

Called an “orphan spill” due to its unknown origin, the sheen looked to be from a lightweight “refined product” such as diesel, kerosene or motor oil, according to Larry Altose, state Department of Ecology spokesman.

The residue could have been oily bilge water discharged by a passing boat, although there is no way to tell for sure, said Altose. He said further investigation is unlikely.

The sighting of the sheen was reported by a Washington State Patrol airplane pilot who estimated it covered about 10 acres of Puget Sound off the Edmonds waterfront. By mid-morning, only a trace remained northwest of the Washington State Ferry dock, according to Altose, who said there is no reason to believe the WSF was involved in the incident.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Ecology responded to the initial call, sending helicopters, boats and on-foot spotters to the scene and nearby shore.