Crews complete fat cleanup in Houston Ship Channel

HOUSTON (AP) — The Coast Guard says crews have finished clearing the Houston Ship Channel of solidified beef fat that leaked from a tank on shore.

Petty Officer Richard Brahm says the cleanup was completed Monday, six days after some of the 250,000 gallons of leaking fat reached the water, creating floating lumps of fat resembling icebergs.

Brahm said Tuesday the ship channel was open and traffic was moving. The leak was detected Jan. 4, forcing the temporary closure of part of the channel.

The Coast Guard said about 15,000 gallons reached the channel through a storm drain. The liquid fat became solid when it came into contact with the cold water.

The Coast Guard says the tank is owned by Jacob Sterns and Sons and that the company cooperated on the cleanup.