The collision Wednesday evening damaged at least one barge carrying clarified slurry oil. The Coast Guard says the cargo tank ruptured, causing thousands of gallons of oil to spill into the river.
No injuries were reported.
Petty Officer Lora Ratliff says the river was closed Thursday from mile markers 938 to 922.
The Dorena Hickman ferry is not affected by the river closure, and continues to operate on its normal daily schedule.
Ratliff said the barge was carrying approximately 1 million gallons, but the breach was only in one area, affecting just one of its six tanks.
