Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) received several complaints from local residents that a strong odor of possible diesel from the storm drains located in the vicinity of 440 South Santa Fe, Pueblo, CO, which is located approximately one-quarter mile from Arkansas River.
On April 5, 2018 PDPHE requested for assistance to investigate the diesel-like odor complaints. Based on a review of supporting documents including historical aerial photographs and maps, the possible sources (plumes) that are part of the investigation are:
- Sonic Restaurant, which is situated on a former gasoline fueling station/auto repair shop.
- A release of 1,000 gallons of oil and diesel fuel reported to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment - Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) on November 20, 2016 by UPRR Rail Yard, which is located less than one-half mile west of Sonic Restaurant.
Free-product, apparently weathered diesel, was found in most of groundwater monitoring wells located on and immediately nearby the Sonic Restaurant.
