Monitoring of Little Hunting Creek continues after spill
Monitoring of Little Hunting Creek continues after last Friday’s mineral oil spill behind nearby Mount Vernon Plaza Shopping Center, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality said Thursday.
The DEQ’s Northern Regional Office Pollution Response Program team visited the site earlier this week and has been coordinating with Dominion Energy’s spill response contractor, said DEQ spokesman Gregory Bilyeu.
“The contractor will continue to conduct periodic inspections of Little Hunting Creek, where oil-absorbent booms have been placed to catch any oil sheening that may continue to occur,” Bilyea said. “These booms will be changed out as necessary and will continue until no sheening is observed.”
Dominion Energy’s contractor finished its cleanup of the of the affected area outside the creek last Saturday, according to Dominion spokeswoman Peggy Fox.
Some 350 gallons of mineral oil leaked from a transformer behind the Shoppers in the plaza, with about 200 gallons getting to the creek. The transformer began leaking after being struck by a box truck, which left the scene without informing anyone, according to Fairfax Fire and Rescue.
When the power went out at parts of the shopping center, a Dominion technician came to the scene and discovered the leaking transformer. It caught fire while the technician was at the scene, but the fire did not damage the shopping center.
The DEQ issued a “Warning Letter” to Dominion about the spill, Bilyea said.
The Fairfax County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the driver of the truck. A message sent to a Fairfax Fire and Rescue seeking more information on the investigation was not returned.
This is at least the second story I’ve seen that mentions nothing about repercussions for the driver.
Just an FYI–you should contact the Stormwater Planning Division (SWPD) if you observe illegal dumping or illicit discharging of pollutants into a storm drain or stream. SWPD can be reached at 703-324-5500 or via email at StormwaterPollution@fairfaxcounty.gov. The County will respond as soon as possible and relay information to the appropriate agencies as needed (Fire Marshal or Virginia Dept. of Environmntal Quality). If you suspect spills of hazardous substances please call 911.
According to county staff, since this incident involved a hazardous substance, the Fire Marshal was immediately dispatched. They contained the mineral oil as best they could and contacted DEQ. Dominion Energy contracted with a clean up company under the supervision of the Fire Marshal and DEQ and Dominion is now under enforcement for the spill that occurred.