Pollution/Situation Report Profile

OGE Transformer Oil Spill
Fort Smith, AR - EPA Region VI
POLREP #1
Initial POLREP

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
OGE Transformer Oil Spill - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VI

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial POLREP
OGE Transformer Oil Spill

Fort Smith, AR
Latitude: 35.2995560 Longitude: -94.4295390

To:

From:

Adam Adams, OSC

Date:

6/2/2013

Reporting Period:

Initial Response

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	V6PB	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	OPA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	6/2/2013	Start Date:	6/1/2013
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:	E13617	Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency Response / OPA

1.1.2 Site Description
A 16,000 gallon capacity transformer (#3358) located at the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) substation (#9130) faulted and released 15,000 to 16,000 gallons of non-PCB transformer oil into nearby drainage ditches along the west side of the property. The oil migrated via ditches, culverts, and across terrain into an unnamed creek, which flows into the Poteau River. The Poteau River merges with the Arkansas River just north of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

An RP representative indicated the cause of the "blow-out" of the transformer could be from internal malfunctions or some other cause yet to be determined. The connected piping on both the east and west sides of the transformer were broken and not in contact with the transformer.

1.1.2.1 Location
The substation is located at 701 Rutgers Street in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas. Drainage from the substation is to the northwest into an unnamed creek to the west and into the Poteau River in Oklahoma, which flows to the north into the Arkansas River.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Approximately 15,000 to 16,000 gallons of non-PCB transformer oil (Mineral Oil) was released from a transformer and has impacted drainage into a creek, which flows into the Poteau River.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
The mineral oil from the faulted transformer has been observed in multiple ditches and a creek which flows into the Poteau River.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative
During follow up with the RP, the PDO was notified by the RP representative that OG&E did not have the capability to respond to the incident effectively and requested EPA to take the lead on the response. The PDO activated the OSC, START, and ERRS personnel to respond to the incident.

Upon arrival and meeting with the RP representative, it was noted that the cause of the faulted transformer had not been determined, and approximately 15,000 to 16,000 gallons of non-PCB transformer had been released. The volume that had migrated off-site and impacted the drainage path had not been determined. RP contractors that were brought on-site by the RP to place booms and pads had not placed any booms or pads and departed the Site upon arrival of the EPA team. Through in-person discussion with the RP representative, the RP reiterated that OG&E was not able to respond to the incident because of ongoing OG&E response in Oklahoma City due to recent tornadoes. The response was federalized at that time.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
The EPA team assessed the downgradient ditches and the creek, and found multiple locations with mineral oil, which were also confirmed by an RP representative. Containment booms were placed along the creek in multiple locations and upgradient of the Poteau River. The distance from the source to the furthermost impact and recovery was approximately 2.7 miles. Flow of the varies from slow to steady, dependant upon the number of creek confluences and characteristics of the drainage paths. Absorbent booms and pads have been utilized in multiple locations.

Initially, the RP began installed a containment berm on the substation property inside the fencing along the west portion of the substation drainage path, to prevent further off-site impact.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The Responsible Party (RP) at this time is Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, (OG&E). A Notice of Federal Interest and Notice of Federal Assumption have been issued.

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
The following actions are scheduled for 06/03/2013:

    1. Vacuum trucks will be set up along with or without skimmers at multiple locations in the unnamed creek.
    2. A frac tank will be stationed at the substation for recovered liquids.
    3. A roll-off container will be stationed at the substation for spent booms, pads, PPE, etc.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps
Beyond those activities that are already planned, it is anticipated that:

    1. Further assessment will be conducted.
    2. Further resources (i.e. frac tanks, roll-off containers, vac trucks) will be acquired as needed.
    3. A mineral oil sample will be collected to determine PCB content.

2.3 Logistics Section

No Logistic items of note at this time.

2.4 Finance Section