Environment
Suquamish Tribe's beachfront damaged by oil spill


The Suquamish Tribe of Washington estimates that it lost several thousand dollars worth of shellfish and has spent more than $1 million for an oil spill.

On December 30, 4,800 gallons of heavy fuel oil overflowed from a barge in Puget Sound. The oil damaged 400 acres of prime tribal beachland, including a tribal fishery and clam bed used by tribal members.

According to outside experts contacted by The Seattle Times, the damage could have been limited by the placement of an oil-spill boom. State lawmakers are holding a hearing today to address the spill.

Get the Story:
How oil spill in Sound might have been stopped in its tracks (The Seattle Times 1/15)
Oil spill damages marine estuary at Suquamish (Indian Country Today 1/15)