Since 1991, the General Land Office Oil Spill program has worked to protect valuable coastal resources while supporting the state’s oil industry. Oil Spill’s mission is simple: Educate. Prevent. Respond.
Education efforts highlight the importance of preventing spills – even the smallest spill can harm both human health and marine ecosystems. Oil Spill’s Small Spill Program supports industry and public education efforts through targeted opportunities such as the Scupper Plug and Bilge Reclamation Programs. Education events and materials are available for all ages, all along the coast.
Scupper Plug Program
The Scupper Plug Program prevents accidental spills from entering coastal water by providing partner marinas with sorbent equipment to block vessel ports and scuppers where oil may be released during fueling. Scupper Plug kits are free to use and can prevent costly spill penalties while keeping coastal water clean.
Bilge Water Reclamation Program
The Bilge Water Reclamation Program has permanent facilities and portable bilge water removal units accessible to small recreational and fishing vessel operators for no-cost disposal of oily bilge water. Bilge water reclamation units are easy to use and have prevented more than 2 million gallons of waste oil from polluting Texas coastal waters.