On March 10, 2014, construction contractors for the City of Columbus observed sheen, dark brown oily liquid, and petroleum odor during excavation activities along the northern bank of the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The excavation activities were related to a construction project funded by the City of Columbus to create public green space along the Scioto River. Construction contractors notified the Ohio EPA of the release of oily waste to a State waterway.
The Ohio EPA mobilized hard boom to the site to temporarily contain the oily liquid and sheen along approximately 200 feet of the north bank of the Scioto River. EPA mobilized ERRS and START contractors to stabilize the contaminated sediment and water and to collect samples for analysis of oil fingerprint characteristics by the U.S. Coast Guard laboratory.
Emergency response activities by EPA concluded on March 11, 2014. Longer-term containment, disposal, and recovery efforts will be conducted by construction and environmental contractors for the City of Columbus, with oversight by the Ohio EPA.
