VALDEZ, AK - FEBRUARY 10, 2001 - An inspection by the United States Coast Guard and vessel's crew has identified the source of the sheen that appeared earlier today during the loading and deballasting of the tank vessel S/R Benicia at Berth 5 of the Valdez Marine Terminal.  Internal inspection of the vessel revealed a 3-4" fracture along a bulkhead that separates the #5 Port Cargo Tank from the #4 Port Segregated Ballast Tank.  The estimated spill volume of 10 gallons was the result of the oil leaking from the crude tank into the ballast tank and being discharged with the ballast water during deballasting operations causing the sheen to appear.

This fracture, between these two internal tanks, does not affect the integrity of the vessel's hull.  Conditions necessary to sail are currently being determined and must be approved by the United States Coast Guard.

Alyeska SERVS (Ship Escort/Response Vessel System) response personnel responded and will remain on the scene throughout the night.  Most of the sheen had dissipated or was cleaned-up by early afternoon.  Response equipment included self-propelled skimmers, sorbent sweeps and the Valdez Star, a dedicated oil recovery vessel. 

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