Oil discharge from old pipeline into San Juan Bay under investigation

The spill between Piers 2 and 3 at the Port of San Juan is suspected to be linked to similar events that occurred at Piers 4 and 9 in 2021 and 2024, respectively.

By The Star Staff

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Incident Management team responded Monday to an oil discharge from an old pipeline located between Piers 2 and 3 at the Port of San Juan.

“The source of the discharge is contained, and as long as it remains contained, port operations will continue normally at Piers 2 and 3,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ray López in a written statement.

The incident was detected on April 11 during a planned patrol as part of Operation Resilient Coast, when Coast Guard personnel observed a persistent leak of thick, black oil. The spill is suspected to be linked to similar events that occurred at Piers 4 and 9 in 2021 and 2024, respectively.

To contain the situation, the Coast Guard activated the Oil Spill Liability Fund and contracted Clean Harbor Environmental Services Inc., whose crews temporarily sealed the pipeline and placed absorbent booms in the water on April 15.

The collected samples were analyzed at the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Laboratory and determined to share characteristics with previous spills. An underground assessment of the area is planned to identify the source of the contamination and develop future cleanup strategies.

While work continues, the Coast Guard is maintaining communication with local and federal agencies and the Caribbean Regional Response Team to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.