WVDEP responds to transformer oil spill in Southern W.Va.

WYOMING COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) said they are responding to another transformer oil spill at an Appalachian Power substation in the Clear Fork area of Wyoming County.

In a press release, WVDEP said, “A transformer at the facility was observed leaking oil that escaped the concrete containment pad and entered Reedy Branch of Clear Fork. WVDEP received a spill report shortly after 8 a.m. Friday and immediately dispatched inspection staff to the site. While initial responses captured most of the material, some of the oil has migrated beyond containment and into a nearby stream.”

They said remedial actions are ongoing.

The WVDEP also said Appalachian Power has environmental contractors onsite conducting cleanup operations, including the use of vacuum equipment, additional containment structures and absorbent materials to recover the oil.

The transformer is listed as containing approximately 14,000 gallons of oil, and the containment pad is designed to hold more than 15,000 gallons, WVDEP said.

The WVDEP’s Homeland Security Emergency Response personnel has also been dispatched with additional equipment to assist.

The West Virginia Department of Health has been made aware of the spill and has made additional notifications to public water systems further downstream.

WVDEP says its inspection staff are currently investigating the spill and assessing impacts. They will remain onsite to oversee clean-up activates.

A similar issue is happening in Wayne, West Virginia, where many residents have been without running water for two weeks. For that related coverage >>> WSAZ Investigates | Mayor provides update on Wayne water crisis

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