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Tug Boat Sinks, Forcing Closure Of Water Plant |
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Wednesday, 29 October 2008 02:19 |
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GRETNA, La. -- A tug boat sank in the Mississippi River near the Harvey Canal Locks on Tuesday, forcing the closure of Gretna's water treatment plant, city officials said.
Gretna Mayor Ronnie C. Harris said the Gretna water plant intake is downriver from where the tug boat sank, and the boat may have contaminated the river with diesel fuel.
It's not clear whether the vessel was substantially leaking fuel; crews on scene told WDSU that there was nothing leaking from the tug
Harris said in a news release that Oil Mop, Inc., the company in charge of the cleanup, has dispatched oil booms to surround the river pumps and avoid contamination.
Intake pumps were shut down prior to any possible spill approaching the water system, Harris said.
Gretna officials are asking residents to conserve water because the city will be using its reserve supply.
There's no word yet on what caused the tug boat to sink.
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