|
2.1.1 Narrative
On 7/6/16, workers on the Plantation Pipeline right-of-way as described previously noted the odor of gasoline in the area. They dug some small test borings and confirmed the presence of gasoline vapors. An adsorbent pad placed in one of the boreholes yielded a small amount of product.
On 7/6/16, Plantation Pipeline Company, along with emergency officials arrived on scene to investigate the incident.
The location of the release is approximately 200
feet from Tuckahoe Creek, which flows into the James River. No sheen was observed on Tuckahoe Creek but
downstream water intakes were notified by VDH for situational awareness purposes.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
7/6/16
Goochland County and Henrico County emergency officials responded to the incident. The location of the incident is in Goochland County, but immediately adjacent to Henrico County.
Plantation Pipeline Company is operated by Kinder-Morgan. Planation Pipeline contacted HEPACO, their OSRO, who responded to the incident. The contractor for pipeline excavation, ITS, also responded. VDEQ and EPA also arrived on scene on the evening of 7/6/16.
Unified Command was established and the decision was made to begin excavation on the morning of 7/7/16. HEPACO remained on Site throughout the night to monitor conditions and also to prepare an access path from River Road to the incident location.
7/7/16
On 7/7/16, ITS began excavation of the pipeline in an area where KM had knowledge of a sleeve previously installed. This area was approximately 15 yards from the location of the odor and downgradient toward the Tuckahoe Creek. The sleeve was located. No contaminated soil was discovered in the excavation materials. No leak was discovered in this area.
Crews then moved closer to the area where the odors were detected. Contaminated soil was found and levels of vapors in the pit reached 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit for flammable vapors. At this point, the workers were evacuated from the immediate area (but not the Site) and ventilation fans were activated to make the work area safer. This work continued through most of the day.
AECOM, an environmental consulting firm, arrived on Site to perform air monitoring both in the work area and along the perimeter to monitor air in the neighborhood.
While this work was being performed, a Unified Command was set up near the Site. HEPACO mobilized in additional off road vehicles and equipment. Safety zones were established and a personnel decontamination area was set up. Contractors arranged for 24 hour operations.
KM was contacted and asked to prepare a press release. A press conference was held at 5:30 pm. Local news media, including three television stations and the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper, were present.
During the news conference, the KM Incident Commander received word that the leak had been located. The State Corporation Commission, in charge of investigation of utilities, investigated and documented the damage to the line. The damage was identified as an approximate 1-inch "weep" in the metal. No catastrophic damage to the pipe was discovered.
Upon recommendation of the SCC, a bolt clamp was placed over the leak. The SCC granted permission to KM to startup the pipeline at a reduced pressure. Over the course of the night of 7/7-7/8, the line pressure was slowly increased to 500 psi.
7/8/16
Following a morning briefing the Incident Commander of Goochland County determined the emergency phase of the incident over and dismantled Unified Command. No incident or leaks were observed once the pipeline was put into operation at a reduced pressure. Emergency officials departed the scene.
EPA met with VDEQ. Remediation will be overseen by VDEQ Regional Office
Additional KM personnel arrived on scene, along with their contractor AECOM. AECOM will begin preparing the plans for remediation.
The Virginia EOC closed this incident.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA issued a Notice of Federal Interest under the Clean Water Act to Kinder Morgan on 7/8/16.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
