Posted
Category
Site Update #15 - 07/10 - 07/15
7/15/2024
Site Update #15- 07/10 - 07/15
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: During the period of July 10 through July 15, the recovered amount of oily liquids has increased to 5,401 bbls. The total amount of crude oil remains unchanged at 1,326 bbls. The collection of oily solids progressed, resulting in a total of 900 cubic yards of oily debris removed from the affected creeks and 200 cubic yards of oil impacted soil.
Ongoing
efforts: The response team currently consists of approximately 186 personnel actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 20 command
and general staff.
Response operations continued within an unnamed tributary that connects to Holmes Creek. The response actions consisted of the removal of oil impacted vegetation, and the flushing free-standing product into collection areas where they are collected by absorbent pads, oil absorbent pom poms and vac trucks.
On July 15, EPA completed its emergency response activities to the Martin Operating Partnership Crude Oil Pipeline Spill. Because there are no longer any appreciable amounts of product from the spill within the Holmes and Smackover Creek as well as in the unnamed tributary that leads to Holmes Creek, EPA and Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) now consider the response ready for transition to maintenance. ADEQ will continue to monitor the operations during the maintenance phase of the response and EPA demobilized on July 16, 2024.
· Who’s involved? The cleanup is a
joint effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and
the responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Site Update #14 - 07/04 - 07/09
7/10/2024
Site Update #14-07/04 -07/10
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of July 9th , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Currently 1,326
barrels of crude oil have been recovered to date. In addition to
the liquids recovered from the creeks, an approximate total of 600
cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste has been removed.138 cubic
yards of Oil impacted soil have been removed to date.
Ongoing
efforts: The
response team currently consists of approximately 179 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 28 command
and general staff.
The emergency response phase of Holmes Creek has been completed and has transitioned from EPA to ADEQ for maintenance and oversight. Response operations continue in an unnamed tributary that connects the spill origin to Holmes Creek, which consist of the removal of oil impacted vegetation, and the flushing free-standing oil into collection areas where product will be collected by absorbent pads and vac trucks.
A total of 600 cubic yards of oily debris have been collected to date and there were no additional crude oil, oily liquid or oil impacted soil reported during this period.
A storm contingency plan was put in place to address potential impacts from Hurricane Beryl. Crews worked meticulously to add and secure additional boom as well as reinforce underflow dams to prevent oil from escaping their collection areas.
The wildlife team captured, cleaned and released a total of 30 animals into the Ouachita River on July 04 and July 08, 2024, those of which included red eared sliders, a spiny softshell turtle, common snapping turtles and a plain bellied water-snake.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Site Update #13 - 07/03/2024
7/4/2024
Site Update #13 - 07/03/2024
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of July 03 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Currently 1,326
barrels of crude oil have been recovered to date. In addition to
the liquids recovered from the creeks, an approximate total of 450
cubic yards of oily debris has been removed. Additionally,
about 137.5 cubic yards of oil impacted soil has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from Holmes
Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to prevent
the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of inclement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 194 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 52 command
and general staff.
Access
to the entirety of Zones A, B, C and D were obtained as the crew thoroughly
and continuously performed response operations over the operational period
spanning from June 30 to July 3, 2024. These operations consisted of flushing
free-standing products to collection area and utilizing vac trucks and
boom to remove the substances from the creek.
The
excavation team successfully dug down approximately 10 feet to the
impacted transfer pipeline. A metal trench box was put into the excavated area to stabilize
the hole. The crew was able to cut the impacted
area of transfer pipe and plug it on both ends.
The
wildlife team captured, cleaned and released 16 animals into the Ouachita
River, those of which included turtles, snakes, and a toad.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Site Update #12 - 06/29/2024
6/30/2024
Site Update #12 - 06/29/2024
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 29 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Currently 1,326
barrels of crude oil have been recovered to date. In addition to
the liquids recovered from the creeks, an approximate total of 300
cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from Holmes
Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to prevent
the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 172 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 52 command
and general staff.
Construction
of a berm surrounding the initial location of the oil spill and the spring
water is being diverted to keep the natural flow of the creek.
The
amount of oily product in the impacted sites has significantly decreased
and drum skimmers are no longer needed in many areas.
Vac
trucks are still being utilized along the affected areas.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #11
6/29/2024
Site Update #11 - 06/28
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 28 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Martin Operating Partnership
has recovered approximately 5,247 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,326 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, an approximate total of 225 cubic yards of oil impacted
solid waste has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from Holmes
Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to prevent
the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 172 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 52 command
and general staff.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #10
6/28/2024
Site Update #10 - 06/27
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 27 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Martin Operating Partnership
has recovered approximately 5,044 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,326 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, approximately 175 cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste
has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from Holmes
Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to prevent
the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 247 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 51
command and general staff.
Unified
Command reached a consensus to discontinue community air monitoring,
following consecutive days without detections surpassing the thresholds of
air monitoring equipment.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #8
6/26/2024
Site Update #8 - 06/25
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 25 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Martin Operating Partnership
has recovered approximately 4,415 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,326 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, approximately 100 cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste
has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from
Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to
prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 266 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 36
command and general staff.
The
responsible party has revised the estimated volume of the crude release upwards,
from 2,000 barrels to 2,500 barrels.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #7
6/25/2024
Site Update #7 - 06/24
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 24 , the responsible party continues
to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery
of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Martin Operating Partnership
has recovered approximately 4,292 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,326 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, approximately 50 cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste
has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from
Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to
prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 266 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response, approximately 36 command
and general staff.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #6
6/24/2024
Site Update #6 - 06/23
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 23 , the responsible party continues to
bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery of
oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Additional resources were
placed at the confluence of Smackover Creek and Ouachita River to prevent
sheen from reaching the Ouachita River. Martin Operating Partnership has
recovered approximately 4,097 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,256 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, approximately 50 cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste
has been removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from
Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to
prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 275 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response. Additional personnel are anticipated
to join the efforts as needed to further support the ongoing operations.
Eight
(8) U.S. Coast Guard National Strike Force personnel arrived at to support
EPA onsite operations with continual assessment of response activities
related to the oil spill.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #5
6/23/2024
Site Update #5 - 06/22
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 22 , the responsible party continues to
bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery of
oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Additional resources were
placed at the confluence of Smackover Creek and Ouachita River to prevent
sheen from reaching the Ouachita River. Martin Operating Partnership has
recovered approximately 3,700 barrels of oil-water mixture
from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is
separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude
oil recovered. Currently 1,176 barrels of crude oil have
been recovered to date. In addition to the liquids recovered from the
creeks, approximately 50 cubic yards of oil impacted solid waste has been
removed.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from
Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to
prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 275 personnel
actively engaged in the oil spill response. Additional personnel are anticipated
to join the efforts as needed to further support the ongoing operations.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #4
6/22/2024
Site Update #4 - 06/21
Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County,
Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue their efforts to remove
the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
Response
actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene
Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA
has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership
(responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup
progress: As of June 21 , the responsible party continues to
bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery of
oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Additional resources were placed
at the confluence of Smackover Creek and Ouachita River to prevent sheen
from reaching the Ouachita River. Martin Operating Partnership has
recovered approximately 3,665 barrels of oil-water
mixture from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water
mixture is separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount
of crude oil recovered. Currently 1,176 barrels of crude
oil have been recovered to date.
Ongoing
efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to
assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The
responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from
Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to
prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement
weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to
allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife
Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to
the oil spill.
The
response team currently consists of approximately 201 personnel actively
engaged in the oil spill response. An additional 50 personnel are expected
to join the efforts on June 22, 2024, to further support the ongoing
operations.
Matthew
Shepherd, the State Speaker of the House, visited the command post and
received a comprehensive briefing on the current response efforts,
progress metrics, and the activities planned for the future.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint
effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating
Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas
Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas
Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas
Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #3
6/21/2024
Site Update #3 – 06/20
Martin Operating
Partnership in Smackover, Union County, Arkansas and their oil recovery
contractors continue their efforts to remove the oil from Holmes Creek and
Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and
what’s being done:
Response actions: An Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) On Scene Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the
response activities. EPA has implemented Unified Command along with Martin
Operating Partnership (responsible party) and Arkansas Division of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup progress: As of June 20 , the
responsible party continues to bring in resources, equipment, and
personnel to expedite the recovery of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes
Creek. Additional resources were placed at the confluence of Smackover
Creek and Ouachita River to prevent sheen from reaching the Ouachita
River. Martin Operating Partnership has recovered approximately 3264 barrels of oil-water mixture from Holmes Creek and Smackover
Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is separated out to give a better
estimation of the actual amount of crude oil recovered. Currently 1,101
barrels of crude oil have been recovered to date.
Ongoing efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas
state agencies continue to assess the incident and the response activities
related to the oil. The responsible party is using specialized equipment
to remove oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions
are being taken to prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in
the case of implement weather. Vegetation clearing activities within
Holmes Creek are ongoing to allow personnel and equipment to access new
areas of the creek. Wildlife Rescue Services are onsite to address
impacted wildlife in the area due to the oil spill.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint effort
between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the
responsible party.
Collaborating Agencies
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Arkansas Department of Energy
and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas Department of Emergency
Management (ADEM)
Arkansas Division of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas Game and Fish
Commission (AGFC)
Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission
(AOGC)
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Progress Notice #2
6/19/2024
Site Update #2 – 06/19
Martin Operating Partnership in
Smackover, Union County, Arkansas and their oil recovery contractors continue
their efforts to remove the oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek.
Here’s what happened and what’s
being done:
Response actions: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene Coordinator arrived on June 17 to evaluate the response activities. EPA has implemented Unified Command along with Martin Operating Partnership (responsible party) and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to streamline response efforts.
Cleanup progress: As of June 19 , the responsible party continues to bring in resources, equipment, and personnel to expedite the recovery of oil from Smackover Creek and Holmes Creek. Additional resources were placed at the confluence of Smackover Creek and Ouachita River to prevent sheen from reaching the Ouachita River. Martin Operating Partnership has recovered approximately 2407 barrels of oil-water mixture from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek to date. The oil-water mixture is separated out to give a better estimation of the actual amount of crude oil recovered. Currently 539 barrels of crude oil have been recovered to date.
Ongoing efforts: The EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continue to assess the incident and the response activities related to the oil. The responsible party is using specialized equipment to remove oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover Creek. Additional actions are being taken to prevent the oil from traveling further downstream in the case of implement weather. Vegetation clearing activities within Holmes Creek are ongoing to allow personnel and equipment to access new areas of the creek. Wildlife Rescue Services are onsite to address impacted wildlife in the area due to the oil spill.
Who’s involved? The
cleanup is a joint effort between the EPA, state environmental and emergency
agencies, and the responsible party.
State Agencies
Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE)
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)
Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC)
What can you do? Stay
informed by visiting the Notices section of the response site, follow local
news, and heed any instructions from local authorities regarding safety or
environmental precautions.
Martin Operating Partners Crude Oil Pipeline Spill - Initial Notice
6/18/2024
Site Update #1 – 06/17-06/18
On June 15, 2024, an oil spill was reported from a pipeline
owned by Martin Operating Partnership in Smackover, Union County, Arkansas. The
spill released an estimated 2,000 barrels of crude oil.
Here’s what happened and what’s being done:
When it happened: The spill is
believed to have occurred on June 14, 2024.
How it was discovered: The spill was
found the next day in the afternoon and immediately reported to the
authorities.
Response actions: An Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) On Scene Coordinator arrived on June 17 to
evaluate the response activities. EPA is working with the company
responsible for the spill and state officials to continue response
activities.
Cleanup progress: By June 16, the
company responsible had secured several response teams and has recovered
approximately 1,600 barrels of an oil-water mix and 300
barrels of crude oil to date.
Ongoing efforts: On June 18, the
EPA and other Arkansas state agencies continued to assess the incident and
the response activities related to the oil, the responsible party is
using special equipment to remove oil from Holmes Creek and Smackover
Creek.
The EPA is working closely with the Arkansas Department of
Energy and Environment, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, and
the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission to manage the spill and its effects.
What’s being done now? Cleanup crews are using
tools like drum skimmers and vacuum trucks to remove the oil from the affected
waterways.
Who’s involved? The cleanup is a joint effort
between the EPA, state environmental and emergency agencies, and the company
that owns the pipeline.
What can you do? Stay informed by visiting the
Notices section of the response site, follow local news, and heed any
instructions from local authorities regarding safety or environmental
precautions.