A barge that sunk in the Tennessee River on Tuesday released between 5 and 10 gallons of diesel fuel into the water, according to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation personnel who were on scene.
It is at least the third such incident for the barge’s owner, Tony Carter, owner of Crystal Springs Builders. The company specializes in marine construction and raising sunken ships.
However, the state agency – which typically handles citations, violations and enforcement actions for such oil spills – will not be investigating further “as no additional environmental impacts were observed,” according to TDEC spokeswoman Kim Schofinski.
Local emergency responders contained the release with booms. The U.S. Coast Guard is working with Carter on a removal plan for the barge, truck and crane.
Carter’s rig also released 5-10 gallons of fuel at the same location in November 2016 when it flipped into the river. The incident was considered minor, was immediately addressed and no further action was needed, according to TDEC.