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.
The PRP contractors continue the following activities: removal of product from the existing pipeline in preparation for replacing the damaged section of line; preparation of the new pipe for installation (welding, and pressure testing) and removal of free prodcut from Turkey Creek.
Representatives of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Pipeline Safety are on-site monitoring the removal of the failed segment of pipeline and installation of the new segment.
The PRP and its contractors are coordinating the recovery process with the landowners who have been impacted by the release to Turkey Creek (private landowners and TDCJ).
The PRP contractors have removed approximately 8200 barrels (~344,000 gallons) of liquids (product and creek water) from Turkey Creek. The liquids is currently being temporarily stored in Frac Tanks.
The PRP Contractors are washing the banks of Turkey Creek to remove residual Jet Fuel and consolidate the product into central areas to facilitate collection of the free product.
All restrictions have been removed from the public water supply based on environmental samples and bacteriral samples collected.
Representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife are on-site to monitor the impact of the release on the wildlife along Turkey Creek. Texas Parks and Wildlife Representative have observed fish kills throughout the creek including one snapping turtle. A total fish kill has not been established.
The PRP will continue to remove free product from Turkey Creek and the existing pipeline, and continue to prepare the pipeline for replacement.
The PRP is in the process of establishing a local public relations office. The office will allow the local community to obtain information about the clean-up activities and allow residents impacted by the release to file claims.
EPA, TCEQ and Texas Parks and Wildlife will continue to monitor the PRPs response activities.
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.
The PRP has established a Toll Free Number (866) 389-5192 for the local community to call to file claims associated with release. The PRP is also establishing a local public relations office for the community to get information about the clean-up and file claims associated with release.
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