Other containers appeared to be used as water tanks, much like those at hunting camps, Delgado said.

Once the drums are located, those that are not identified are disposed of in a hazardous materials landfill.

“Right now we are just trying to get our arms around the whole universe of what is out there,” Delgado said.

Larry Chambers, a spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard, said the group is in the second phase of assessment.

“We are finding a real range of everything from 5-gallon containers of propane; we have a big range of pollutants and hazardous materials,” he said.

Acevedo said since Ike, there have been two major leaks reported to the EPA. The first, a 55,000 barrel storage tank at Exxon Mobile in Beaumont, leaked into the company’s secondary containment area, but did not leave the plant.

The second spill occurred at the Chevron plant in Port Arthur. Acevedo said the EPA had few details about the incident since the agency had just received the report.

Delgado said the coalition is also looking at a marshland oil spill in western Jefferson County, but, like many of the areas, cannot get it because the area is inaccessible because of mud.

Contact this reporter at skoonce@panews.com.