Pollution/Situation Report Profile

OGE Transformer Oil Spill
Fort Smith, AR - EPA Region VI
POLREP #3
Progress

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

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VI

Subject:

POLREP #3
Progress
OGE Transformer Oil Spill

Fort Smith, AR
Latitude: 35.2995560 Longitude: -94.4295390

To:

From:

Adam Adams, OSC

Date:

7/29/2013

Reporting Period:

7/17/2013

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	V6PB	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	OPA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	PRP	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.

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.

As of 06/17/13, response efforts downsized to boom and pad replacement with vacuum truck utilization as needed by the RP.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
On 07/17/13 the EPA team, along with ODEQ and ADEQ personnel, observed the OG&E contractors collecting surface water and sediment samples from six locations on the tributary. This work was performed in accordance with the approved Sampling & Analysis Plan prepared for the project by the RP. The samples collected were submitted to the laboratory and 7-day turnaround time was requested.

OG&E contractors conducted O&M along the tributary. Utilized a vacuum truck for half the day to remove oil/sheen from portions of the tributary. Most of the recovery efforts were concentrated in the vicinity of Highway 112. The RP removed and replaced spent absorbent boom and pads as necessary. Very low to no flow was observed in the tributary.

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 07/26/13, the following utilizations were completed:
    1) Approximately 11,975 gallons of oil had been recovered and stored in frac tanks,
    2) 2,956 gallons estimate recovered by absorbent pads (based on 50% recovery of manufacturers     specifications of recovery volume capacity),
    3) 913 gallons estimate recovered by absorbent boom (based on 50% recovery of manufacturers specifications of recovery volume capacity),
    4) 3, 650 feet of absorbent boom had been utilized, and
    5) 23,750 absorbent pads had been utilized.

The RP estimates approximately 15,844 gallons of oil have been recovered.

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
The RP will continue to monitor and conduct maintenance on the substation and creek to include boom/pad replacement, vac truck recovery as required, and disposition of impacted media.

Creek water and sediment sample results are expected to be provided shortly.

2.3 Logistics Section