On Saturday, April 30th OSC Jordan Garrard was dispatched to Ringgold, GA to investigate the release of approximately 9,300 gallons of diesel fuel. The release reportedly took place when a tornado travelled thru the area on Wednesday evening. Strong winds broke a pipe connecting two above ground storage tanks releasing material into a retention pond. Subsequent rain caused the fuel to discharge to a drainage ditch which leads to south Chickamauga Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River. OSC Garrard met on-scene with GaEPD responder, Catoosa County representative, and environmental contractor to assess the situation. Approximately 4,400 gallons of fuel/water mixture was collected from the retention pond and drainage ditch. Staining is evident on the banks of the Chickamauga, but no staining was observed at the confluence with the Tennessee. Approximately 50 tons of soil has been excavated from the drainage ditch and retention pond and is stockpiled awaiting disposal.
