PENNDEL, PA — A significant environmental incident occurred on Sunday, December 10, 2023, when approximately 200 gallons of used motor oil were washed into storm drains due to heavy rain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported that the incident took place near Mill Creek in Penndel Borough and the oil eventually flowed into a tributary of Mill Creek and the Delaware River.
The spill was brought to attention by a resident who detected the smell of oil and observed it seeping into the stream. Upon receiving the report, the local fire department and hazmat teams swiftly responded, placing absorbent materials in the creek to hinder the oil’s downstream movement.
DEP and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) promptly arrived at the scene to evaluate the situation and supervise the clean-up activities. DEP ensured that the party responsible for the spill hired a contractor to install oil-absorbing booms and pads along the affected areas to remove the oil from the surface water and any contaminated debris. The contractor also responsibly discarded the impacted materials.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the used motor oil at the facility was stored in plastic containers lacking proper spill containment. DEP’s inquiry into the incident continues, and it has been confirmed that no drinking water in the area was affected by the spill.
Jessica Shirley, DEP Interim Acting Secretary, highlighted the incident as a stark reminder of how rainwater can carry pollutants into storm drains and waterways. She emphasized that the oil spill was preventable and underlined the critical need for operators to implement precautionary measures when handling potential pollutants.
While crews have reported steady improvement in the situation, clean-up efforts remain ongoing. DEP stated that it will maintain surveillance of the site until cleanup is fully completed, ensuring the protection of the local environment and community.
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