See Initial POLREP.
As of February 26, 2009, Mid Valley Pipeline/Sunoco Logistics is continuing to manage the clean up operations under an Incident Management Team.
Waterway Remediation Activities: 10 collection points in the Rocky Ford and Middle Branch Portage River continue to be maintained. The Thermal Bank Remediation (TBR) Teams continued to work until the rain moved in on Thursday evening. Over 18,800 feet of the contaminated shoreline, vegetation, and additional pockets of crude oil have been completed on Rocky Ford River and the Middle Branch Portage River. The crude oil has degraded over the past week, and the flash point of the material is greater than 200oF. As a result, TBR activities are not proceeding as effectively. Mid Valley/Sunoco tested out bank washing this afternoon. The tests were successful, so on Friday fourteen (14) boat crews will begin washing the banks.
Soil Remediation Activities: All of the contaminated tile has been removed, with the exception of the tile beneath Buckeye Pipelines. Approximately 2,000 feet of tile has been excavated and removed. The contaminated soil has been staged within a containment dike. Gross contaminated soil is being shipped to a Waste Management facility in Toledo. Alternative options are being explored for the lesser contaminated soils. The tile that had the release of a gasoline product and water is continuing to be monitored and vacuumed out at needed. A fourth underflow was constructed in the northwest corner of the east-west trench where tile has been removed. Oil is seeping into the excavation from the banks. The underflow dam is to allow for the product to accumulated, as well as a preventative measure to manage the forecasted rainfall.
START personnel conducted reconnaissance during night operations with a Sunoco representative. Based on field observations, Strike Teams were deployed to collection areas, as needed. Night operations included boom inspection/maintenance and oil recovery. A recovery crew also conducted vac-truck operations to remove accumulated oil from the underflow dam constructed along Tank Farm Road, as well as at Huffman Road.
Sunoco received a discharge permit from OEPA to discharge water following treatment through a carbon filtration system. The water will be sampled following treatment, if within the permit limits, water will be discharged in to the storm sewer drain.
-- Twenty-four hour recovery operations will continue.
-- Continue bank remediation of impacted river banks.
-- Continue excavation of grossly contaminated shoreline.
-- Continue decontamination of the skirted boom after bank remediation and replace in locations with noticeable oil accumulation.
-- Continue surveillance and maintenance of boom.
Thunderstorms are forecasted for the night shift operations. Personnel have been advised to take cover and cease any work for a minimum of 30 minutes until after the last lightning strike.
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