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UPDATE/PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Unified Command responds to Potomac River oil sheen

February 5, 2016

BALTIMORE — The Unified Command continues to respond to reports of oil sheens Friday in the Potomac River near Arlington, Virginia.

Containment boom and sorbent sweeps placed at an outfall in the vicinity of Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary over night.

There have been no other potential discharges observed by any of the response personnel.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research has responded to reports of affected birds and are collecting the birds for cleaning.

Oil recovered by Coast Guard investigators has been sent to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Laboratory for analysis.

“The Unified Command has systematically responded to every National Response Center report in the National Capital Region we’ve received since Wednesday,” said Lt. David Ruhlig, the Unified Command operations section chief. “At this time it appears the sheen has largely dissipated and is limited to the area around Roaches Run, with minor wisps observed intermittently for five miles south. We’ll continue to maintain protective measures at the outfall and continue to monitor them, while also responding to any reports of oiled wildlife throughout the area.”

For breaking news, follow the Fifth District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

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