On the afternoon of 14 July 2007, Explorer Pipline notified the National Response Center (NRC) of a Jet Fuel Spill from its 28-inch line located just east of Huntsville, Texas. The release was first noticied by a near-by resident who called 911. The jet fuel was reported to have entered Turkey Creek.
At 1830 on 14 July 2007 EPA actived START-3 to respond to the incident. START-3 arrived on-site at 2030. Upon arrival on-site START-3 coordinated response activities with the Potentailly Responsible Party (PRP) Explorer Pipeline, State Agencies (TCEQ), and local authorities (Walker County Sheriff). At this time the reported spill amount had been reduced by Explorer Pipeline from 4500 barrels to between 500 and 1500 barrels.
Intial response activities included the PRP's contractors, Eagle Construction and Environmental, placing earthern berms within Turkey Creek to minimize impact to the creek, excavation of the pipeline, and recovery of free product utilizing vacuum trucks.
On 15 July 2007 START-3 returned to site to monitor site clean-up activites. Upon recalculating the volumes within the pipeline and times before values were shut the PRP recalculated the release amount to 7000 barrels.
Due to the increase in the spill volume reported, an OSC was mobilized. OSC Althea Foster arrived on-site at approximately 1500 on July 15.
Site operations included the excavation of the area near the pipleine release point in preparation for replacing the pipeline. PRP contractors also began recovering product from Turkey Creek. START-3 estimated that approximately 1.5 miles of Turkey Creek was impacted by the spill. START-3 observed fish kills along Turkey Creek.
The EPA initially notified the Department of Interior (DOI) of the spill, on July 14 and updated the notification on July 15 when additional information was received from the PRP.
At approximately 1500 on July 15, the PRP contractor broke the public water supply line while offloading equipment. This 8 inch line provides water to approximately 300 residents. The water was shut down and the valve was replaced by the local utility district. However the water service has not been restored because of concern for potential cross-contamination from the spill. Samples have been collected and will be submitted for analytsis to determine if the water supply can be restored to the residential area.
The PRP will continue to remove free product from Turkey Creek and the existing pipeline, and continue to prepare the pipeline for replacement.
EPA will continue to monitor the PRPs response activies.
During the intial release one residential property was contaminated by the Jet Fuel. A voluntary evacuation has been in-place with residents staying in local hotels.
Approximately 300 residents are currently with-out potable water. The PRP is working with the residents until the water supply can be restored.
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