Neither snow nor cold weather could keep South King Fire & Rescue firefighters, Des Moines Marina personnel and the Washington State Department of Ecology from joining forces last month.

During last month's arctic blast, the three agencies trained in the use of spill response equipment obtained from a Washington State Department of Ecology grant.

The award provided a spill response equipment trailer that will enhance the Marina's environmental spill response capabilities.

Charlie Martin, author of the grant, is enthusiastic that the three agencies can coordinate and utilize the additional equipment to protect the environment.

"It is important the community know how each of the agencies are committed to being stewards of the environment and being proactive to preserve and protect the waterways," Martin said.

The supply trailer's equipment can be utilized for a response in the water or for a spill on the street.

Specific to waterway clean up, 800 feet of floating booms are available to contain or divert a spill from reaching a shoreline or sensitive area.

During the training, South King Fire & Rescue's boat, Marine 26, and Harbor 1 laid and anchored the booms for the spill response simulation with instruction from Ecology's trainer.

Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury has developed an integrated response plan to environmental spills in or around the marina and South King Fire & Rescue personnel.

Marine 26 is part of that plan as well as Ecology, the U.S. Coast Guard, nine other south King County fire department Hazardous Materials teams, and private environmental clean up agencies on contract to the marina for emergency response.

The trailer will be housed at the marina because of its central location between Elliott Bay and Tacoma marinas, where similar trailers are located.

South King Fire & Rescue's Marine 26, moored at the Des Moines Marina, carries absorbent pads and containment booms. Its capabilities also include fire protection and marine water rescue.

The department's Hazardous Response Team and trailer are ready for deployment whenever a significant environmental incident occurs.

For more information on the Des Moines Spill Response Trailer, contact Charlie Martin, Des Moines Marina Environmental Coordinator, at 206-824-5700.