U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
OGE Transformer Oil Spill - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VI
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Subject:
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POLREP #2
Special
OGE Transformer Oil Spill
Fort Smith, AR
Latitude: 35.2995560 Longitude: -94.4295390
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To:
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From:
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Adam Adams, OSC
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Date:
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6/4/2013
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Reporting Period:
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06/04/13
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
V6PB |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
OPA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
PRP |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
6/2/2013 |
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Start Date: |
6/1/2013 |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
E13617 |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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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.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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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.
On the evening of 06/03/13, OG&E notified the OSC that resources had been acquired for OG&E to assume the role as lead for this incident beginning with the operational period for 06/04/13.
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 creek 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 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.
Active and passive recovery operations include the utilization of:
1) Hard containment booms placed at the downstream-most impacted section of the creek and approximately midway down the creek path from the source,
2) Absorbent booms and pads at multiple locations throughout the drainage path.
3) Vacuum trucks at downstream-most impacted section of the creek in two locations and at the approximate midway point.
4) Drum skimmers are utilized at the downstream location.
A sample of the mineral oil was collected and shipped for analysis.
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.
2.1.4 Recovery information
At the close of operations on 06/03/13, the following utilizations were completed:
1) Approximately 7,600 gallons of oil and water had been recovered and stored in the frac tank,
2) 1,000 feet of absorbent boom had been utilized,
3) 175 feet of containment boom utilized in 2 locations, and
4) 34 bails of absorbent pads had been utilized.
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
The following actions are scheduled for 06/05/2013:
1. Continue active and passive recovery operations utilizing vacuum trucks, hard containment booms, absorbent booms and pads, and drum skimmers.
2. Recovered liquids (oil and water) are stored in frac tanks located at the OG&E substation.
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.
Sample results are expected to be in hand late on 06/05/13 or early 06/06/13.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No Logistic items of note at this time.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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OG&E has assumed the lead in this incident response.
EPA, ADEQ, and ODEQ have been monitoring the incident and will continue to do so, until completion.
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3. Participating Entities
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An Arkansas Game and Fish representative visited the Site for an update and Site walk on 06/04/13.
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4. Personnel On Site
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Personnel on-site include the EPA OSC, EPA contractors and the RP along with RP contractors.
State agency personnel are on-site at the respective agency's discretion.
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
Additional information can be obtained at www.epaosc.net/OGEtransformeroilspill.
6.2 Reporting Schedule
Additional POLREP's will be provided as warranted by significant changes in the Site and response effort, or upon completion of the response.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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