EPA received NRC
Report #1312285 at approximately 1630 hours on 7/30/2021. The report was of an
unknown sheen on the Illinois River in Havana, IL. EPA then contacted local
fire officials to ask for assistance in having someone put eyes on the river
location where the sheen was reported (by a tug boat operator). Initial reports indicated that the sheen had dissipated; however, supplemental reports from the Tall Timbers Marina indicated significant sheening and strong diesel fumes. Subsequently, a second NRC report was filed (1312307) stating that a pleasure craft had arrived at the Peoria Yacht Club 40 miles up river from the Tall Timber Marina and was discharging diesel from its bilge.
EPA and START mobilized the Havana, IL on July 31, 2021 to investigate the incident. Upon arrival, there was a noticeable diesel smell around the on-water bar and restaurant. The Marina owner provided EPA and START access the waterway to document conditions and to take a sheen sample. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was able to provide EPA with a boat to investigate conditions in the Emiquon and Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuges. No visible sheen was found in the refuges.
