U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Gaston Richmond Flood Oil Spill

 
Site Contact:
Christine Wagner
OSC

(wagner.christine@epa.gov)

Site Location:
James River Canal
South of 16th & Dock Streets
Richmond, VA
response.epa.gov/GastonOil

On 8/30/04, Hurricane Gaston unexpectedly dropped over 14 inches of rain in the Richmond area over 2 hours. The amount of rain received exceeded the 100 year flood prediction. To date, eight persons have died as a result of the flood.

EPA activated CERCLA funds to assist state and local responders with the mitigation of releases of hazardous materials.

On 9/3/04, EPA discovered a spill of approximately 50 gallons of heavy fuel oil (possibly #6) directly in the James River Canal.

EPA activated OPA funds for the cleanup of this spill and also the removal of drums of oil from the James River


Spill from Drum Oil on banks Vacuuming oil from James River
For additional information, visit the Pollution Report (POLREPS) section.