The Capehart Mill Site is located on Fifth Street End of Canal in Norwich, Connecticut. On July 12, 2007, CTDEP responded to a report of an unknown oil sheen on the Shetucket River. In addition to CTDEP, Norwich Fire Department (NFD), the Connecticut Eastern Region Response Integrated Team, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to this release. The responding agencies determined the oil release is coming from the Capehart Mill building. EPA OSCs Chau and Hatzopoulos were dispatched to the incident location to coordinate cleanup activities with local and state authorities.
On July 12, 2007, the Town of Norwich hired Clean Harbors to initiate cleanup activities. Clean Harbors attempted to recover the oil release with a vaccuum truck. CTDEP collected an oil sample for PCB analysis. On July 13, 2007, CTDEP assumed cleanup activities. CTDEP hired Connecicut Tank Removal to continue cleanup actions, which include placement of absorbent booms to contain the release and investigating further into the source of release.
CTDEP's investigation revealed that two transformers within the building compound had been vandalized and their contents had been released onto the ground. It is unclear whether this was the source of the release to the Shetucket River. In addition, CTDEP and it's contractor removed two bulging 55-gallon drums from the facility. Further investigation into the building will be limited due to the structural instability of the building.
CTDEP will continue its efforts to locate the source of release as well as maintaining the absorbent booms. CTDEP and EPA will make attempts to locate the owner of the facility.
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