M/T Athos I
“In the Darby Creek Restoration Project the removal of three dams opened more than 2.7 miles of habitat for a range of resident and migratory fish. Shad and river herring species once supported the largest and most important commercial and recreational fisheries on the Atlantic Coast. This restoration benefits fish, wildlife, anglers, and others who value robust natural habitats.”
Mary Andrews
NOAA Environmental Engineer
Contacts
Mary Andrews
NOAA Restoration Center
Annapolis, MD
(410) 267- 5644
mary.andrews@noaa.gov
Trustees
Links
Case Documents
M/T Athos I
Oil Spill | Delaware River, New Jersey | November 2004
What Happened?
On November 26, 2004, the M/T Athos I hit several submerged objects in the Delaware River while preparing to dock at a refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey. A nine-ton anchor punctured the vessel’s bottom, releasing nearly 265,000 gallons of crude oil into the Delaware River and nearby tributaries.
What Were the Impacts?
Oil from the ruptured tanker spread 115 miles downriver, impacting 280 miles of shoreline in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. NOAA worked with other trustees Government officials acting on behalf of the public when there is injury to, destruction of, loss of, or threat to natural resources. to assess the impacts of the spill. We identified injuries to shoreline habitats, birds, and benthic habitat. Recreational uses were affected as well, with negative effects on boating, fishing, and hunting. The incident also forced the U.S. Coast Guard to close the Delaware River to commercial traffic for more than a week.
What’s Happening Now?
In 2010, the trustees received $27.5 million for ten restoration projects designed to benefit the environment, coastal communities, and economy in the Delaware River watershed. Details on each project can be found in the Restoration Plan.
- Lardner's Point, Philadelphia
Shoreline Restoration
Status: Monitoring phase
- Darby Creek, Pennsylvania
Dam Removals and Stream Habitat Restoration
Status: Monitoring phase
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Pennsylvania
Freshwater Tidal Wetland Restoration
Status: Planning and design phase
- Little Tinicum Island, Pennsylvania
Trail Improvements
Status: Maintenance
- Augustine, Delaware
Rock Jetty Restoration
Status: No longer feasible and process to select new project is underway
- Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area, New Jersey
Marsh, Meadow, and Grassland Restoration
Status: Planning and design phase
- Stow Creek, New Jersey
Boat Ramp Restoration
Status: Planning and design phase
- Blackbird Reserve Wildlife Area, Delaware
Habitat Restoration
Status: Maintenance phase
- and 10. Delaware River, Delaware and New Jersey
Oyster Reef Creation
Status: Monitoring phase
