Coast Guard, ADEC stand up unified command in response to gasoline release in Scammon Bay, Alaska

KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation have stood up a unified command in response to a gasoline release in Scammon Bay, Wednesday.

ADEC personnel received initial notification Monday, from members of the community. Askinuk Corporation confirmed on Tuesday that there was a release of gasoline from a 10,000 gallon tank into the secondary containment. Some of the gasoline is believed to been released outside of secondary containment and into the Kun River.

Mariners and hunters are urged to avoid any hunting or ice fishing in the affected area until responders are able to further assess the situation.

Due to the remote location of the spill, Coast Guard and ADEC representatives are coordinating travel to be on scene in Scammon Bay by Thursday. Coast Guard and ADEC personnel are actively responding to the situation and developing a plan to contain the gasoline as safely and quickly as possible.

“Coast Guard pollution responders are working closely with the State of Alaska to get on scene to assess the situation,” said Capt. Sean MacKenzie, Coast Guard federal on-scene coordinator. “The safety of the community and responders is our number one priority.”

For more information contact:

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Dean at (907) 654-4112
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Laura Achee at (907) 465-5009