State of Washington to Boom All Marine Oil Transfers

The recommendations are in response to the December 30, 2003, Foss Maritime spill at Chevron?s Point Wells transfer facility. The 4,800 gallon oil spill spread from Richmond Beach to Kitsap Peninsula.

Environmental groups and regulators believe that booming vessels during oil transfer operations is the best way to prevent environmental disasters. Booming vessels is required at Port Valdez, Alaska, and for most oil transfers in California.

The rule-making on oil transfers must go into effect by 2006.