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Tug is watertight and safe to move around Flathead Lake

Release Date: 9/21/2001
Contact Information:
800 227-8917x6839,

Release Date: 9/21/2001
Contact Information:
406 441-1140 x236,

Release Date: 9/21/2001
Contact Information:
800 227-8917x7814

Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a tug inspector determined that the tug operating on Flathead Lake is safe and no longer discharging engine oil and diesel fuel into the lake. The owner received permission to operate the vessel again.

Tim Knopfle, owner of Advanced Docks and Decks, Inc., fixed his vessel according to the most stringent option, creating a second hull and ensuring that the tug is watertight. The EPA, with assistance from local residents, has inspected the sites where the barge previously sank and discharged oil and fuel, and has found no shoreline contamination in Woods Bay. The contamination at Angel's Point was cleaned up by the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services in May.

EPA ordered the barge operator three months ago to repair his tug boat, have the repairs verified by a qualified expert, and clean up the spilled oil. As an added security measure, EPA required that Mr. Knopfle install an alarm which will alert him to any future leaks. The alarm has been installed.