SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS/AP) The container ship oil spill on San Francisco Bay is running up a huge bill, and at the Unified Command Post on Treasure Island, a crew is closely keeping track of all of the expenses.
The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund was specifically set up to deal with catastrophes such as November 7th’s spill.
Deputy Finance Section Chief Bob Hildebrand wants to make sure that state and federal agencies are repaid the amount spent responding to the emergency.
”Once it’s over and done with I collate the final cost and send a final bill to the responsible party,” said Hildebrand.
Officials say the bill for all cleanup costs will be sent to owner Regal Stone Ltd. of Hong Kong.
The $2.7 billion trust fund is replenished with a 5 percent barrel tax on oil entering the United States.
KCBS’ George Harris Reports
Several area beaches have reopened following the spill.
Beaches in Marin and San Mateo counties were back open Friday, and officials are reopening many of San Francisco's beaches today.
The National Park Service says Baker Beach, Fort Funston and China Beach opened this morning, and Crissy Field and Ocean Beach reopened this afternoon.
KCBS’ Tim Ryan Reports
Authorities say about a third of the toxic oil that spilled into San Francisco Bay last week is now out of the water.
The Coast Guard says there is no more oil to clean from surface water and has ended skimming operations. Officials say cleanup efforts will now focus on sensitive areas such as tidal marshes and rocky shorelines.
On a positive note, about 36 birds rescued from the spill were released Friday.
KCBS team coverage
KCBS Expanded Coverage: Bay Oil Spill
Meanwhile, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced yesterday that he is launching a state investigation into last week's oil spill. The governor asked the Department of Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the Office of Emergency Services to investigate the spill's causes and the response. The governor also said the state will be working with Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to find ways to prevent similar accidents.
The Coast Guard said it wasn't its role to put the cargo ship Cosco Busan on a different course before it sideswiped the Bay Bridge last week.
Spokesman Captain Jim McPherson emphasized that - unlike Air Traffic Control - the role of the Coast Guard's Vessel Traffic Service in directing ships is purely advisory.
McPherson was reacting to reports that the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the accident, plans to look into whether the VTS had the obligation to do more than it did to prevent the crash.
(MGO/RdD)
