Coast Guard: Pipeline spills 18,000 gallons of crude in wildlife refuge south of New Orleans

About 18,000 gallons of crude spill in La. refuge

NEW ORLEANS — Authorities say a pipeline has spilled 18,000 gallons of crude oil into a canal in a wildlife refuge about 60 miles southeast of New Orleans.

There was no immediate word about the extent of damage at the Delta National Wildlife Refuge.

The Coast Guard says Chevron Pipe Line Co. has closed off the leaking section and investigators are evaluating the spill from a plane.

The Coast Guard says it learned about the spill about 1 a.m. Tuesday and is investigating the cause.

The refuge covers nearly 49,000 acres of marsh in Plaquemines Parish, near the mouth of the Mississippi River. It holds a number of bird rookeries and provides a place for migratory birds to rest as well as winter habitat for ducks and other wild fowl.

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On the Net:

Delta National Wildlife Refuge:

www.fws.gov/delta/

www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id(equal)43555