Cape Cod Fuel Spill Won't Impact Local Shellfish, Officials Say

WELLFLEET, MA — A Sunday morning fuel spill in Wellfleet Harbor prompted a large response from local and state officials, who believe that the local impact should be limited.

The Wellfleet Fire Department was notified of a large fuel spill in Wellfleet Harbor around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Wellfleet Shellfish Department officials said there was agreement among all the parties involved — Wellfleet Fire Department, Shellfish Constable, State Department of Environmental Protection — that the spill was hydraulic fluid.

"Booms were deployed around the L-pier, absorbent pads were used to mop up one area of slick near the green #15 can and samples were taken from the harbor and from bilge water in a couple of commercial fishing vessels," officials said, added that photos were taken and distributed to the agencies.

Local officials have asked the United States Coast Guard will also test the water and bilge samples to see if the source can be identified.

A separate test that came back around 3 p.m. on Sunday found no remnants of fluid left in the water, which officials said should mean there will be no impacts to shellfish resources or public health.

Fuel spilling anywhere in the Wellfleet Harbor could be problematic, as the Shellfish Department — and anyone who enjoys local oysters knows — stated that the $10 million commercial shellfishing industry is the "year-round economic engine for the town."