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Cleanup continues at Halifax bird sanctuary

Investigators still are not sure how the oil was spilled from two abandoned tankers but have questioned three people about the spill.

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SCOTLAND NECK, N.C. — Environmental cleanup crews will be at Halifax County's Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park for at least the remainder of the week following a spill Monday of thousands of gallons of oil from two tankers at a nearby lumber mill.

Workers at the bird sanctuary noticed oil in wetlands on the property Monday morning and have searched the area looking for wildlife in need of rescue.

About a half-dozen wild birds, turtles and other animals in the wetlands were being cleaned and treated Tuesday; a number of frogs were found dead.

None of the birds in captivity were harmed, officials said.

Investigators still are not sure how the oil was spilled from the abandoned tankers but have questioned three people about the spill and are looking into the possibility that it might be criminal.

Wildlife officials are concerned about how oil in the wetlands could affect the educational programs they conduct.

If more oil gets in, directors say they will have to close the wetlands to the public, and that would mean financial repercussions.

 

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