RIDEM says dolphin death not related to soot spill

NAEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said a dolphin that was found dead off of Newport was not related to a debris patch in the Narragansett Bay.

RIDEM said that members of the department responded to a reported oil spill in Potter’s Cove that turned out to be soot from an engine or generator on a vessel.

The department added that the dolphin, whose body was found floating near Fort Adams most likely didn’t die from the soot due to its apparent “level of decomposition,” but will continue to investigate the situation.

There have been no other reports of an oil spill in the area.

Environmental concerns can be reported to RIDEM by calling 401-222-3070.