Date: June 14, 2001
Subject: Humble Orphan Tank
Humble, Harris County, Texas
From: Karen McCormick, OSC, U.S. EPA, Region 6 (214-665-8365)
To: Director, OERR
Charles A. Gazda, RPB, EPA Region 6
Director, Texas Railroad Commission
Event: Oil Spill Response
Site ID Nos.: FPN N01315, NRC 569154
Start Date: June 12, 2001
Demobilization Date: June 12, 2001
Site Type: Oil Storage Tank in Flood water
Site Latitude/Longitude: 30 00 45 N / 95 13 41 W
SITUATION
The National Response Center notified the EPA Region 6 Response and Prevention Branch (EPA) of a potential discharge from a displaced storage tank to Little Lake approximately 2.5 miles east-northeast of Humble, Harris County, Texas. The tank was reported by a concerned citizen and no potentially responsible party (PRP) has yet been identified. The tank was apparently displaced because of flood water during the Tropical Storm Allison rainfall event.
II ACTIONS TAKEN
On June 12, 2001, EPA mobilized to the site to investigate and analyze the potential impact on human health, welfare, safety, and environment posed by the release of contaminants or discharges of oil. Upon arriving at the site, EPA observed a poly tank (estimated 4000 gallon capacity) submerged in approximately 4 feet of flood water near Belleau Wood Drive. No identifying markers or valves were visible on the tank. No product or sheening was observed from the tank; however, citizens interviewed at the site stated that sheen and petroleum odors were observed earlier. EPA met on site with a Texas Railroad Commission (TxRRC) representative that stated the potentially responsible party (PRP) was trying to be located from adjacent lease owners and the tank would be removed once the flood water subsides. Other tanks/drums were noted adjacent to the lake.
III KEY ISSUES
TxRRC representative stated TxRRC contractors would remove the tank even if no PRP was identified. Little Lake (estimated 30 acres) is located in the Riverside Oil Field approximately 2000 feet south of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.
II ACTIONS TAKEN
On June 12, 2001, EPA mobilized to the site to investigate and analyze the potential impact on human health, welfare, safety, and environment posed by the release of contaminants or discharges of oil. Upon arriving at the site, EPA observed a poly tank (estimated 4000 gallon capacity) submerged in approximately 4 feet of flood water near Belleau Wood Drive. No identifying markers or valves were visible on the tank. No product or sheening was observed from the tank; however, citizens interviewed at the site stated that sheen and petroleum odors were observed earlier. EPA met on site with a Texas Railroad Commission (TxRRC) representative that stated the potentially responsible party (PRP) was trying to be located from adjacent lease owners and the tank would be removed once the flood water subsides. Other tanks/drums were noted adjacent to the lake.
III KEY ISSUES
TxRRC representative stated TxRRC contractors would remove the tank even if no PRP was identified. Little Lake (estimated 30 acres) is located in the Riverside Oil Field approximately 2000 feet south of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.
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