Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Burdett Pipeline
Charleston, WV - EPA Region III
POLREP #2
progress

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Burdett Pipeline - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III

Subject:

POLREP #2
progress
Burdett Pipeline

Charleston, WV
Latitude: 38.3998200 Longitude: -81.6966300

To:

From:

Michael Towle, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

4/6/2015

Reporting Period:

4/3/2015 thru 4/6/2015

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:		Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	OPA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:		Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:		Start Date:	4/3/2015
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:	E15310	Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

Discharge of crude oil from a pipeline posing a threat to navigable waterway.

1.1.2 Site Description

See POLREP 01 for initial information. As activity progressed through the initial response additional information was determined that modifies initial information found on April 3, 2015.

During the night of April 3, WVDEP excavated and found that the leaking pipeline was a 10 inch steel pipeline through which a 6 inch plastic line was sleeved. Previously, it was believed that the line was a 6 inch line. The oil was discharging from the space between the 10 and 6 inch lines and it could not be determined where the leak stemmed from. The subject pipeline was amongst several others in a common right-of-way. An owner could not yet be determined and the WVDEP initiated actions to stop the release. Sealant was placed between the 6 and 10 inch lines to stop the flow of oil. Then, concrete was placed around the leaking area. Rain had occurred throughout the response. WVDEP and DOT were still trying to identify an owner of the pipeline.

During excavation it was also confirmed that the leak did not occur at a valve, but at the area of a valve actuator on which voltage was found. At that time, WVDEP believed that the voltage was evidence that the line was still active and not abandoned. WVDEP and DOT will continue to try and find the owner.

1.1.2.1 Location

The location of the pipeline is along Woodward Dr. in a residential area of Kanawha County, West Virginia

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The discharging oil migrated overland towards the flowing waters of the Left Fork TwoMile Creek a tributary of the Kanawha River a navigable waterway. A rain event on April 3, 2015 is exacerbated the discharge and without defensive measures or stopping the source, the oil would have migrated to the water. The flowing water was about 125 to 150 feet downgradient of the discharge point. The size classification of the discharge would be expected to be minor. Only stopping the source of the oil and defensive measures would best prevent the probably migration of the oil into the navigable waters.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

The OSC coordinated with the WVDEP who responded and was onscene. The source of the discharge was determined to be a 10 inch steel pipeline through which a 6 inch plastic line was sleeved running through residential properties. The oil was emerging from between the 6 and 10 inch lines. The WVDEP had believed the line to be abandoned, but it was subsequently found that voltage was still on the line and it was active. An estimated 10 gallons had discharged and the WVDEP estimates about a 1 gallon per minute discharge rate. It was unknown how much oil could discharge, but the OSC estimated that another 100 gallons may discharge before the source could be stopped. Based upon discussion with WVDEP, knowledge of the area, and examination of maps and pictures, the OSC has determined that the discharge poses a substantial threat to the navigable water. Although oil had not reached the water on April 3, the OSC believed that given the unknown volume of oil in the pipeline, the rainy conditions, and the proximity of the water (about 125 to 150 feet from the discharge point), that migration into the water was likely without defensive measures and actions to stop the source. The source appeared to be a break in the line at the location of a actuator.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

The WVDEP is onscene and has initiated response actions with local authorities.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Absorbent materials (booms and pads) were placed at the source of the discharge and along the migration pathway to the navigable waterway. Without excavation activity at the source followed by plugging or patching, it would be unlikely that the discharge would stop. Oil did not migrate to the water on April 3, but was on the way to doing so. Rain on the night of April 3 exacerbated the situation. Without response actions by WVDEP (coordinated with the OSC), the oil would discharge to the water. WVDEP requested EPA assistance with access to the OSLTF to complete actions to stop the source of the discharge.

The OSC coordinated with DEP and discussed appropriate response actions. The OSC agreed to embody those actions into the scope of a PRFA which was then further discussed with WVDEP. Actions will include exposure and patching/plugging of the pipeline and removal of discharged oil. Further actions authorized by the OSC will not occur until the OSC is able to evaluate the identification of a responsible party.

WVDEP was able to stop the flow of oil during the night of April 3, 2015.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

The WVDEP is not yet able to identify the owner of the pipeline, but activity to identify such owner will continue and such information will be forwarded to the OSC.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

*Waste Stream*	*Medium*	*Quantity*	*Manifest #*	*Treatment*	*Disposal*

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

Maintain defensive actions with absorbent materials to prevent the migration of oil to the water.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

The WVDEP is expected to implement the limited response actions agreed between WVDEP and EPA and continue to assist in the identification of a responsible party.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

2.3 Logistics Section