Diesel Spill Reported in Humboldt Bay Near Woodley Island Marina

Oil sheen seen on Humboldt Bay at the foot of F street across from Woodley Island Marina [Image submitted by Redheaded Blackbelt reader]

Following a tip from a community member, Redheaded Blackbelt contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife Public Information Officer Eric Laughlin, who confirmed the agency did respond. “The source is still under investigation, but the fuel sheen may be from a 49-foot fishing vessel per preliminary observations,” Laughlin said. He added that no oiled wildlife was observed following an assessment by a CDFW scientist.

According to a Cal OES Hazardous Materials Spill Report filed Monday, the release originated from the fishing vessel Valliant docked at Woodley Island Marina, Dock B, across the bay from where the tipster reported seeing the oil sheen. The cause of the release is unknown, though the bilge is suspected.

Booms were deployed and cleanup was completed by Woodley Island Marina staff, according to the report. The investigation remains ongoing.

Agencies notified include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Humboldt County Environmental Health, among others.

Anyone who observes an oil spill can report it statewide by calling the Cal OES State Warning Center at 1-800-852-7550, which dispatches agencies to incidents throughout California.