T/V Polar Texas

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (previously listed as the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of the Muckleshoot Reservation, Washington), Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation

State of Washington

Department of Commerce

Also Known As

Dalco Pass Oil Spill

Incident Type

Oil

State

Washington

Case Status

Assessment

Location

Dalco Passage, Puget Sound

Authority

OPA

Contaminants of Concern Include

Oil

Affected DOI Resources Include

Anadromous Fish, Migratory Birds, Threatened and Endangered Species

Case Description

On or about October 13, 2004 the tank vessel POLAR TEXAS, owned by Polar Tankers, Inc., discharged crude oil into waterways in or near Dalco Passage, Washington. The oil washed ashore on Vashon and Maury Islands in the Dalco Passage area off Commencement Bay.

The Natural Resource Trustees alleged that the spill caused injuries to various intertidal and subtidal species, including Puget Sound Chinook salmon and other salmonids, Hardshell Clams, Surf Smelt, and Sand Lance, and their habitats, as well as birds and other wildlife. The spill resulted in oiling and temporary closures of beaches on Vashon and Maury Islands. A settlement agreement between the responsible party and the trustees was developed to compensate the public for damages to natural resources.