On February 28, 2015 an above ground tank holding an estimated 1500 gallons of used oil discharged to the ground following a storm. The used oil flowed overland into a storm drain on an agricultural property. The storm drain discharged to an irrigation ditch that flows into Sulphur Creek, a tributary of the Yakima River. There is heavy oiling in Sulphur Creek and a sheen in the Yakima River. The Responsible Party is working with their insurance company to address the spill, but has not been able to take direct action. The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) hired a response contractor to respond. Hard boom is in place at a few locations, including protecting the intake at the Yakama Tribe’s fish hatchery. Recoverable oil is primarily located on Sulphur Creek, though some accumulation has been observed on the Yakima River. Oiled wildlife has been observed. Ecology requested support from EPA for on scene and financial support. EPA deployed an OSC and START contractors.
