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Hunt Refining Spill

 
Site Contact:
Stephen Ball
OSC

(ball.stephen@epa.gov)

Site Location:
1855 Fairlawn Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
 response.epa.gov/HuntRefiningSpill
NRC#: 1050692, 1050693

Crude oil spilled into the Black Warrior River. A citizen noticed the spill and reported it to the NRC and to Hunt Refining. Hunt Refining has mobilized contractor, USES, to the scene and have deployed boom. Phone Duty has dispatched OSC Stephen Ball and START contractor, Tetra Tech, to the scene. ADEM and Tuscaloosa EMA are mobilizing as well. Spill amount is unknown.


The drainage ditch (release area) and outfall after it had been excavated and petroleum impacted soil removed. The drainage ditch (release area) after it had been excavated and petroleum impacted soil removed. Boom deployed around the drainage ditch (release area). Absorbent boom deployed at the end of the drainage ditch (release area) leading to the Black Warrior River. Oily sheen observed on the Black Warrior River. Boom and absorbent boom deployed downsteam of release. Note the oily residue absorbed by the absorbent boom. Sheet observed in the Black Warior River with small product droplets (darker spots). Sheen and slight oily residue on plant material along the edge of the Black Warrior River. Photo taken near release point. Sheet and absorbent pads on Black Warrior River. Boom deployed at Fosters Landing. Oily residue in drainage ditch between outfall and Black Warrior River. Oily residue in drainage ditch between outfall and Black Warrior River. Drainage ditch between outfall and Black Warrior River. The Crude Unit (CU) Sump which dishcarged into the Black Warrior River. Valve that was inadverently opened which allowed the release of petroleum impacted water into the Black Warrior River. Effluent discharge pathway pooled oil at effluent discharge pooled oil from effluent discharge Effluent pipe from sump that contained oil. Only stormwater currently draining from pipe (shown) Overland discharge from effluent pipe (100 ft) Valving unit where oil was accidentally directed to be discharged to the river Sorbant pads at collection point at Mcabee landing Collection point at Mcabee landing Blowing oil towards collection point at Mcabee landing Rainbow sheen at the west dock