Oil rig leaks into Whatcom Waterway

BELLINGHAM – Shell Oil’s plan to begin drilling in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska has been delayed by leaks from a containment barge being constructed in the Whatcom Waterway.

Hydraulic systems leaked on July 24, Aug. 4 and Aug. 6, each releasing about a quart of oil, the Washington state Ecology Department said. The department sent a notice of violation to Superior Energy Services, which is building the Arctic Challenger, the Bellingham Herald reported Thursday.

“They’re a quart at a time, but every time there’s a spill there’s more environmental damage,” Ecology Department spokeswoman Katie Skipper said.

The department also is investigating a spill of less than 20 gallons of diesel fuel from a small workboat into the waterway. All of the spills were held within a containment boom.

Crews may be working in haste to finish the barge so Shell can start drilling, the spokeswoman said.

“We know they’re going fast, but they have to be responsible for protecting the water and following our laws,” Skipper said.

The department is requiring Superior to plug deck drains, set up barriers to catch spray from hydraulics, and lock equipment.

The delay with the barge has set back Shell Oil’s plan to drill in the short season when Arctic water is ice-free.