UPDATE 4: Salvage And Firefighting Operations Continue

NEW ORLEANS — Response operations continue for a tug and barge that collided with a pipeline near Bayou Perot 30 miles south of New Orleans Friday.

Chevron has begun flaring the pipeline.  As the amount of liquid petroleum gas remaining in the pipeline dwindles, it is predicted that the size, color and smoke amount may fluctuate. This controlled burn will clear the line of the residual liquid petroleum gas.  Constant air monitoring is being conducted for the site.

Personnel from T&T Salvage were able to separate the tank barge from the tug wreckage in an operation late Thursday afternoon. The Todd Michael spud barge is on scene for cooling operations.

Responders continue to monitor and ensure the integrity of the barge is maintained to allow for safe salvage operations as soon as the fire is extinguished.

The Coast Guard has placed temporary flight restrictions over the airspace near the Shannon E. Settoon barge at and below 5,000 feet within approximately a one-mile radius. Responders have deployed 10,400 feet of boom around the tank barge to contain any possible pollution risks.

The unified command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office, Settoon Towing and Chevron. Contracting organizations include ES&H, CTEC Air Monitoring, T&T Salvage and Resolve Marine.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.