On May 9, 2004, Marathon Ashland Petroleum (MAP) reported a crude oil discharge from the Catlettsburg, KY refinery (NRC # 721147). Initial information indicated a discharge of 100 gallons of crude oil into the Big Sandy River, at a location approximately 3.5 miles upstream of the confluence with the Ohio River. The release occurred due to a power failure, which caused the crude oil to surcharge a flare unit. The crude oil was vaporized through the flare orifice, exiting a 100 ft. tall stack as a mist which traveled downwind in a northerly direction along the KY shoreline.
A followup investigation by MAP disclosed that the total quantity discharged may exceed 20,000 gallons, which is classified as a major inland oil spill. USCG Marine Safety Office Huntington (MSO Huntington) responded initially, along with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP). Upon determining that the incident originated onshore, EPA Region 4 relieved USCG and provided the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) for this incident.
MSO Huntington prepared Polrep 1 and Polrep 2 and Final to document their involvement as the First Federal Official for this incident.
As of 5/14/04, MAP reported that over 15,000 gallons of crude oil has been recovered from on-water cleanup operations at the Light Oil Dock (L.O. Dock). On 5/13/04, MAP conducted a trial water flushing operation on the oiled shoreline, which was monitored by KYDEP. The purpose of the test was to evaluate the potential for additional oil product to mobilize and require further removal as a result. Observations indicated that very little sheen was produced as a result of the trial flushing operation. In addition, removal of debris from an area adjacent to the L.O. Dock was completed on 5/14, with only minor amounts of oil recovered as a result. MAP restored the L.O. Dock to full service by 5/15.
At this point, the oil removal action is considered to be complete by the EPA OSC. While there may be additional response actions needed to periodically remove residual amounts of oil product migrating from the shoreline, no further federal involvement is warranted. KYDEP is the lead agency for directing any additional actions that may be required.
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