Massive diesel spill near New Orleans kills 2,300 fish and 32 birds, sickens dozens of alligators
CBSN
A severely corroded pipeline ruptured and spilled more than 300,000 gallons of diesel fuel just outside New Orleans after the operator delayed needed repairs, according to federal records. Most of the fuel drained into two artificial ponds called "borrow pits" and thousands of fish, birds and other animals were killed, state and local officials said Wednesday.
The spill killed 2,300 fish and more than 100 other animals, including 39 snakes, 32 birds, a few eels and a blue crab, according to statistics provided by Robert "Trey" Iles, a spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Nearly 130 animals — 72 alligators, 23 birds, 20 snakes and 12 turtles — were impacted by the spill and captured for rehabilitation, he said. CBS affiliate WWL-TV reports that propane scare cannons, which sound like gunshots but have no projectile, are being fired to scare off migratory birds that might be injured by the toxic mess.
