Oil leak 'minimal' threat to eagles

COEUR d'ALENE — An oil sheen on Lake Coeur d'Alene from sunken construction equipment at Higgens Point is expected to have "minimal impact" on fish and wildlife.

"The leak does not appear to be severe," according to a statement from state and federal agencies.

Idaho Fish and Game, along with the Idaho Transportation Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality are monitoring the situation, the statement said.

It is possible the public may observe some birds showing minimal signs of impact, "but it is likely those birds will be able to preen their feathers to remove any petroleum residue," the statement said.

The oil sheen was first reported on social media Wednesday. By Thursday, state officials visited the site and a containment boom had been placed along the shoreline. ITD on Monday confirmed the source was a D9 dozer that fell in the lake during Interstate 90 construction in 1990.

There was concern the sheen could affect migrating bald eagles that have been feeding on spawning kokanee in the area since early November.

According to recent reports from ITD, the situation is under control and the oil sheen has dissipated.

Local photographer Steven Peak, who initially reported the oil sheen, visited Higgens Point on Tuesday morning and said he did not notice an oil slick.

The BLM will have a wildlife biologist on site to monitor the situation in the days ahead, the statement said.

"In severe circumstances, oil/fuel leaks can cause clumping and matting of birds’ feathers, which can impact their ability to fly and control body temperatures," the statement said. "Again, based on current information, we do not anticipate this to occur at a level that will impact waterfowl, birds of prey or other birds at a population-level."

The public may also see dead kokanee along the shoreline at Higgens Point, "which is entirely unrelated to this incident," the release said, noting that Kokanee, like salmon, die after spawning each year.

Officials left the dozer after it went into the lake in 1990 rather than risk trying to remove it and damaging the lake bed and the spawning area, according to a previous Press report.

In 2000 and in 2010, oil leaked to the surface before repairs stopped it.

If conditions allow, a diver may try to find the oil leak and determine how to repair it today.