Fuel Spill Cleanup Update

Stormwater Division August 25, 2006
Contact: Keith Huff, 747-6962

Collection points along Bowen Branch Creek remain in operation to remove traces of diesel fuel that leaked into the creek, and officials with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources are assessing the extent of the contamination on and adjacent to Waste Management Inc.’s property at 3303 N. Glenn Ave.

The cleanup follows the leak of about 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel from an underground pipe that serves a fueling station for Waste Management’s vehicles. The saturated soil leaked diesel fuel into a concrete stormwater drain pipe that empties into Bowen Branch Creek. Four collection points set up along the creek have been operating around the clock since the leak was discovered on Aug. 17, to remove diesel fuel from the creek.

About 640 tons of contaminated soil have been removed from the area around the leaking underground pipe and the stormwater drain pipe. Excavation of contaminated soil is continuing. The excavation has turned up signs of a previous leak that may have contaminated soil on Waste Management’s property. The Aquifer Protection Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is setting up monitoring wells to test the groundwater under the site. Should the wells indicate that the groundwater has been affected, Waste Management will be required to conduct a comprehensive site assessment and take corrective action.

Soil tests also revealed that contamination spread beyond Waste Management’s property toward a stormwater spillway for U.S. 52. DENR has ordered the removal of as much contaminated soil as is practical, given the location, and is evaluating what other remedial steps should be taken to ensure that contamination in the area does not affect the groundwater or get into the stormwater that runs off U.S. 52 into Bowen Branch Creek.

City and state officials will inspect the collection points on Bowen Branch Creek on Monday to determine how long they should remain in operation.

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