Navy to Practice Oil Spill Response on Everett Waterfront Friday

Got word from the Navy that a drill will be held Friday that will simulate an oil spill on the northern Everett Waterfront along with the Navy’s response. Here’s the official word direct from Navy Region Northwest…

The Navy will be conducting two on-water oil spill response exercises this week – one on Hood Canal just south of Seabeck on Dec. 19 and another just north of Everett on Dec. 21. This exercise is part of the Navy’s response preparedness program and will involve Navy personnel executing a protection strategy.

During the exercise, the Navy will practice responding to a simulated oil spill. Response personnel will be using small boats and bright orange containment boom placed across the water. The protection strategy used is designed to keep oil from entering the tidal marsh and protect wildlife in the area.

Although the public will not be impacted by these exercises, nearby residents and boaters may see oil spill response activity and equipment in the water near Seabeck and Everett. No impact to traffic is anticipated.

The Navy routinely conducts response exercises such as this one to improve coordination, communication and collaboration with other federal, state and local government agencies during emergency situations. Practicing responses in various situations enhances readiness among Navy installations to respond to actual emergencies.