On March 21, 2006, Pandora Manufacturing spilled approximately 950 gallons of a commercial floor coating and 6,000 gallons of an ammonia/water mixture to a storm sewer leading to the Riley Creek. Ohio EPA and Ohio DNR responded to the spill. The spill has moved down the Riley Creek and entered the Blanchard River, a tributary of the Auglaize River. The City of Ottawa, Ohio closed its drinking water intakes to prevent potential impact from the spill. On March 22, 2006, Ohio EPA requested U.S. EPA assistance. The spill initially moved downstream as a 1-mile blue/green emulsion dispersed throughout the water column. Recovery and treatment have removed the visible emulsion.
Samples collected at the Riley, Blanchard, and water intake will be evaluated by health agencies.