The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports thousands of fish were killed and over one hundred other animals, including snakes and birds, died as a result of a pipeline spill in St. Bernard Parish. LDWF Oil Response Coordinator Laura Carver says 75 alligators have also been captured for rehabilitation.
“All told for live animal collections we are currently at 134 live animals that are being collected for rehab,” said Carver.
The spill from a severely corroded pipeline that ruptured was discovered in late December and most of the diesel fuel spilled into two artificial ponds. Cleanup work continues. Carver says the spill killed 25-hundred fish.
“And that is mostly garfish, small baitfish, minnows, sunfish and shad,” said Carver.
Dozens of snakes and birds were also killed.
Carver says in addition to rehabbing alligators, they are also rehabbing birds, snakes, and turtles.
She says at least cleanup work is moving quickly since the spill was contained in a small area.
Collins Pipeline Company operates the pipeline and federal records reportedly show the operator delayed needed repairs on the pipeline.
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