Seek ‘Til You Find

Last week I noticed a bit of an oily slick on the Magnolia River. It wasn’t big and I thought perhaps it was fuel/oil that was leaking from boats along the river. Not that I think it’s okay for boats to leak but it happens.

I also noticed a large floating yellow bucket upside down but it was in a particularly snaky-looking area so I left it alone. When it looks safe to remove trash, I’ll do it but if it appears to be nestled a bit too close to potential ‘gator territory or snake homes, I allow it to remain.

Two days ago friends of mine from Asheville came over to paddle. They enjoyed the kayaks and I took a SUP board. It was a lovely morning and perfect day but the slick was now up river where I live. Again, not really a ‘bad’ slick but bothersome.

Then today I went to paddle and smelled a very slight petroleum smell and the oily sheen was still present with even more coverage of the river. I had to explore and see what I could find.

My walking buddy, Felicity, decided that swimming behind me would be fun so I went upriver to encourage her to stay on the beach rather than follow me. In choosing this direction, I discovered the origin of the sheen: A five gallon bucket of hydraulic fluid floating upside down with a rusty cap and side that was slightly split. Same bucket I saw over a week ago down river. It had lodged in a snag of roots. I carefully maneuvered my board close enough to push it out and on to our beach where I dismounted the board and carried it far away from the water.

I was saddened to realize that oily fluid had been leaking into the river and bays for probably weeks. It wasn’t that much…but still. It was a good lesson in seeking the source of a pollution source until it is found. And then taking action to remove it.