1.1.1 Incident Category
Removal action at an oil spill site.
1.1.2 Site Description
This site is a private residence with a 275 gallon oil tank located outside adjacent to a mobile home. 
1.1.2.1 Location
6628 Pirch Way, Elkridge, Maryland 21075
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Approximately 110 gallons of home heating oil was spilled at this site when a 275 gallon outdoor tank overturned.  Some oil was recovered from the tank, but about 110 gallons was released migrated across two adjacent properties.  A storm drain leading to a tributary to Deep Run is located approximately 100 yards from the spill location.  Deep Run flows to the Patapsco River which empties into the Baltimore Harbor.  Based on the foregoing, the OSC determined that this incident poses a substantial threat of discharge of crude oil into the navigable waters of the U.S.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

OSC Ham responded to the site on January 7, 2016 at the request of the Maryland Department of the Environment.  The OSC observed the spilled oil on the ground, which had migrated approximately 100 feet from the initial spill location.  The local fire department had responded and applied absorbent pads to the spill location.  These pads were saturated, and a strong smell of oil was present in the area, and inside one of the adjacent homes.  Due to the forecast for several days of rain, the OSC activated an EPA contractor to begin cleanup of the site.  OSC Ham obligated funds from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund via CANAPS.  An initial project ceiling of $50,000 was obligated and FPN E16305 was assigned to the case.

2.1.1 Narrative
Oil spill cleanup continues.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
The OSC activated an EPA cleanup contractor at the site.  On January 7, 2016, the saturated pads that had been applied by the fire department were collected and drummed.  Additional sorbent material was applied to the spill site, and then poly sheeting was placed over the spill area.  The following morning, the sorbent material was removed, and several inches of soil were hand-excavated and drummed.  At this time it was determined that the oil contamination extended into the subsurface soils, and that a deeper excavation would be required.  A call was made to have the utilities in the area identified.  As this would take until Monday, January 11, 2016 to complete before further excavation could be initiated, it was determined that no further excavation would occur until this was completed, and the site was re-covered with poly sheeting.

On Tuesday, 1/12/16 EPA and the contractor returned to the site and began excavation oil contaminated soils on the downgradient property.  Soil was excavated until the cleanup level recommended by MDE was achieved (50 ppm).  In the furthest downgradient area of contaminated it was necessary to dig to a depth of approximately 3 feet.  It was also necessary to remove a 20 ft pine tree in this area, as it was in the contaminated area.  Once this area  was completed excavation continued up gradient, around the back of the adjacent home, towards the initial spill area.  As of 1/13/16 the first 20 cubic yard dumpster was full of contaminated soil, and the soils were then placed in the second dumpster. 

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The PRPs for this site are potentially the homeowner and the fuel delivery company.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Return to the site on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 to complete excavation of oil contaminated soils and site restoration.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
Excavate oil contaminated soils.  Remove and properly dispose of contaminated soils.  Restore site to previous condition.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

There are multiple utility lines (phone, cable, and propane gas) in the excavation area, requiring extra care during excavation.  Also, due to the close proximity of homes, sheds, utilities, etc., some of the work requires hand digging, and soil is being removed to the dumpsters using wheelbarrows. 

3.1 Unified Command

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

MDE, Howard County Fire, EPA