On
May 29, 2024, at 1:30 PM, the EPA was notified by the National Response Center (NRC) of a discharge of 20-40 barrels of Crude Oil from the Benchmark Oil and Gas Oil
Storage Facility, Orangefield, Orange County, TX. According to the NRC report,
the spill resulted from a lightning strike damaging the oil storage
facility, causing oil to release into secondary containment, then
subsequently into Cow Bayou (Waters of the United States). The spill location
is in the EPA Area of Responsibility; therefore, EPA is the lead agency.
The
Responsible Party initially conducted response action to clean up the spill.
The EPA issued a Notice of Federal Interest on May 30, 2024, and was monitoring
the spill through close coordination with the Texas General Land Office. On
June 10, 2024, the Responsible Party informed their cleanup contractor that
they did not have the funds
and resources to continue cleaning up the spill. On June 11, 2024, the EPA
issued a Notice of Federal Assumption to the Responsible Party stating the
agency will assume the necessary response actions on Cow Bayou to clean up the
spill in accordance with the National Contingency Plan.
EPA, its
cleanup contractors (ERRS) and technical assistance
contractors (START) have mobilized to the Site to continue the cleanup
operations on Cow Bayou. The Railroad Commission of Texas continues the
land-based cleanup per their state regulatory authority.
