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Columbia River Mystery Sheen

 
Site Contact:
Dale Becker
On Scene Coordinator

(becker.dale@epa.gov)

Site Location:
Wenatchee, WA 98801
 response.epa.gov/2017ColumbiaMysteryWenatchee
NRC#: 1173522

EPA Region 10 was notified by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) of a sheen on the Columbia River in Wenatchee, WA at 8:00 AM March 18, 2017. The source of the sheen was unknown. The sheen was discovered and reported to local 911 dispatch by recreational river users at approximately 5:00 PM March 17, 2017. EPA Region 10 formed unified command with Ecology and Chelan County Emergency Management.


Minor sheen continues to discharge to the river. Oil is contained by inner and outer hard boom and collected using sorbents. Collection records indicate the rate of discharge is slowing. Four sumps are used to collect product from the location where the fuel rack and warehouse were located. building were removed by Coleman Oil. Groundwater treatment system flows through oil water separator to storage, then through GAC filter to second storage tank. Treated water is sampled and if water quality is adequate it is discharged to Wenatchee WWTP. Looking upstream (northwest) from pedestrian bridge approximately 0.33 miles downstream of diesel seep to Columbia River. Orange containment boom is visible along water line. Facility fuel tanks are visible to the far left. Stream of renewable diesel product is flowing from buried underground pipe and forming a pool of the red dyed diesel product. The valve to the tank is closed so this is draining pipe static pressure. Flow was likely higher when tank was pressurizing the line. Since this picture was taken all fuel was vacuumed from the line to stop further leaks. State crews adjust containment boom to prepare for on-water operations. Right: sample of product from Coleman Oil biodiesel tank. Left: sample of product seeping from the bank of the Columbia River. Location of diesel product seeping from river bank. Absorbent pads turn red when saturated with diesel fuel. The pads are changed 2 - 4 times a day and bagged to contain and properly dispose of oil.
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