DELAWARE RIVER OIL SPILL UPDATE #7

December 3, 2004

PHILADELPHIA — Oil was detected on the bottom of the Delaware River in an area south of Little Tinicum Island, Pa. today. It is unknown how much is on the bottom. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration placed oil snares in various points along the river yesterday. This morning, one of those snares had evidence of oil. Three more sub-surface snares were positioned near Mantua, N.J., Big Timber Creek and the Lester Power Plant this morning. Plans are being developed on how best to recover any sunken oil.

Recent reports from oil spill observers indicate that oil has impacted approximately 70 miles of shoreline in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware stretching from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge south to Pea Patch Island. The impacts are described as ranging from very light sheening to heavy oiling.

A helicopter over-flight Thursday morning did not report any floating oil below Pea Patch Island. Booming operations are currently in progress around the island.

The cause of the damage to the tanker ATHOS I is yet to be determined. The Captain of the Port of Philadelphia has issued an order that vessels with a draft greater than 34 feet may only move at high tide. Vessel traffic in the affected areas of the river is approved on a case-by-case basis.

There are no hunting closures as a result of the spill. However, hunters are urged to refrain from hunting and boating on the Delaware River and tributaries south of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge until further notice. Any hunter who takes an oiled bird should contact the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for instructions on handling the bird.

The incident remains under investigation.

Latest reports indicate:

94,000 feet of spill-control boom has been placed around the vessel and along parts of the river to protect sensitive tributaries and marshland from exposure to the oil.

There are more than 1,000 people working along the water and in the command post. Plans are in place to call in additional people to work in the cleanup along the river.

Wildlife rehabilitation experts report 76 birds have been captured, 46 have been cleaned and 36 deceased. The Coast Guard asks that the public not attempt to handle or clean affected wildlife.

Fuel transfer operations on the ATHOS I resumed today after a halt Wednesday due to weather conditions.

Important Phone Numbers:

To report areas affected by oil from the ATHOS I incident, please call 267-765-3439.

To report animals affected by the spill, please call the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 215-365-1558.

Volunteers who have specialized training handling oiled and injured wildlife can contact Julie Bartley at Tri-State Bird Rescue 302-737-9543, ext. 102. Please do not use this number to report oiled wildlife.

Owners of vessels that may have been oiled, or that have a financial claim, contact 866-401-0353.

DELAWARE RIVER OIL SPILL UPDATE #7

The incident remains under investigation.

Latest reports indicate:

94,000 feet of spill-control boom has been placed around the vessel and along parts of the river to protect sensitive tributaries and marshland from exposure to the oil.

Fuel transfer operations on the ATHOS I resumed today after a halt Wednesday due to weather conditions.

Important Phone Numbers:

To report areas affected by oil from the ATHOS I incident, please call 267-765-3439.

Owners of vessels that may have been oiled, or that have a financial claim, contact 866-401-0353.

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