Diesel Fuel Cleanup Officially Completed
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Contact Information Water quality questions: 410-537-3443 Report affected wildlife: 410-219-8418 Additional information: 410-543-6030 |
4:13 p.m. Friday, March 20
SALISBURY, MD---The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today conducted its final inspection of Tony Tank Pond following the fuel spill which originated at Salisbury University. Reports from the MDE field manager are positive and the last pieces of cleanup equipment have been removed.
MDE said operations went smoothly and it is pleased with the progress of the cleanup and the cooperation of agencies involved. The U.S. Coast Guard also commended the operations.
According to Miller Environmental Group, 95-98 percent of the oil was captured within the first 72 hours. Of the approximately 2,900 gallons that leaked from a fuel line connected to an emergency generator, the majority was contained on campus in a sediment holding tank and storm water drainage pipes. The SU Maintenance Department is evaluating all emergency generator systems on campus to avoid future spills.
Those with wildlife concerns may call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Division at 410-219-8418. Questions about water quality may be directed to the MDE Oil Control Program at 410-537-3443. For any other issues including claims, call the SU Public Relations Office at 410-543-6030.
SU officials acknowledge the leadership and support of all those involved with the cleanup including the Coast Guard, MDE, Miller, Wicomico Emergency Management, Salisbury Fire Department, Wicomico Health Department, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tony Tank neighbors.
5:16 p.m. Monday, March 16
SALISBURY, MD---Cleanup of diesel fuel from the Henson Science Hall leak continued throughout the weekend. The vast majority of the oil was confined to a campus sediment holding tank and the University’s storm water drainage pipes and has been retrieved.
Miller Environmental Group, hired for the cleanup, said 95-98 percent of the oil was captured within the first 72 hours. Such figures are considered remarkable, those knowledgeable of oil cleanup said. A field manager with the Maryland Department of the Environment at the site added he was very pleased with the progress. On Sunday cleanup moved from the emergency to maintenance phase, which continues as a precaution.
Salisbury University would like to thank all those involved in the cleanup effort which began as a united initiative in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of the Environment, Miller Environmental Group, Wicomico Emergency Management and the Salisbury Fire Department, with assistance from the Wicomico Health Department.
Salisbury University would like to offer a particular thanks to the residents of the Tony Tank neighborhood and the Tony Tank Neighborhood Association who have been both welcoming and patient throughout the cleanup.
5:08 p.m. Friday, March 13
SALISBURY, MD---Cleanup efforts on an estimated 3,000 gallons of diesel oil which leaked from a fuel line at Henson Science Hall will continue tonight and through the weekend. According to a representative from Miller Environmental Group, the private contractor hired for the cleanup, an estimated 2,200-2,300 gallons have been retrieved so far.
A major portion of diesel fuel was trapped on campus in a large sediment holding tank and in storm water drainage pipes leading into the tank. According to Miller representatives, it now appears an estimated 300-400 gallons of diesel fuel actually dispersed into Tony Tank Pond where the storm water outflow is located.
At a Friday afternoon meeting, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) representatives praised the University's response effort for its speed and thoroughness. The U.S. Coast Guard, which was on the scene Thursday, has also complimented the University for its work and cooperation.
Cleanup and recovery began late Wednesday in a partnership with the Coast Guard and SU, MDE, the Salisbury Fire Department, Wicomico County Emergency Management and Miller Environmental Group.
MDE and Health Department officials said drinking water and wells in the Tony Tank neighborhood were not threatened.
11:46 a.m. Friday, March 13
SALISBURY, MD---The bulk of an estimated 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel which leaked from a fuel line at Henson Science Hall has been confined to the Salisbury University campus, said those involved in cleanup efforts. The discovery was made last night.
A major portion of diesel fuel has been trapped in a large sediment holding tank and in storm water drainage pipes leading into the tank at the University’s Physical Plant building’s parking lot.
Miller Environmental Group, the private contractor hired for the cleanup, began pumping out the tank last night. According to Miller representatives, it now appears an estimated 300-400 gallons of the diesel fuel actually dispersed into Tony Tank Pond, a smaller amount than originally believed. Several hundred gallons of the fuel were also contained at the drainage outfall, where the storm water pipe empties into the pond. Cleanup efforts are continuing at the pond.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) officials said progress was excellent and the U.S. Coast Guard has shut down its on-site operations. Cleanup will continue until it is complete.
Cleanup and recovery began late Wednesday in a partnership with the Coast Guard and SU, MDE, the Salisbury Fire Department and Wicomico County Emergency Management.
MDE and Health Department officials said drinking water and wells were not threatened.
For more details on cleanup efforts, please visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. To report wildlife affected by the spill, please contact the Coast Guard Command Center at 410-576-2525. For those with questions relating to drinking water and wells, the Wicomico County Health Department has asked that calls be directed to the MDE Oil Control Program at 410-537-3443. If you have additional questions, please call the SU Public Relations Office at 410-543-6030.
5:21 p.m. Thursday, March 12
SALISBURY, MD---Approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel was released from a fuel tank leak at Salisbury University during the early hours of Thursday, March 12. The spill has impacted the storm drain system and the water of the Tony Tank Pond.
At this time, it has been determined there is no threat to drinking water resources in the area. Herb Meade of the Maryland Department of the Environment stated, “It has been determined that drinking water wells are not threatened from this release.”
This spill has been contained by both the Maryland Department of the Environment and private contractors. Clean up of the spill continues.
If you have any questions, please contact the Maryland Department of the Environment Oil Control Program at 410-537-3443.
4:03 p.m. Thursday, March 12
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| Coast Guard members along with members of Miller Environmental Group performed a shore-side assessment of Tony Tank Pond on Thursday. The Coast Guard and Miller Environmental are also working with local Salisbury authorities to locate and recover red dye diesel that leaked into the pond from SU Wednesday night. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley) |
Salisbury University reported a mechanical failure in their generator system causing a loss of approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel from a fuel tank.
Between 500 and 600 gallons of diesel fuel have been recovered from the pond since last night. More than 1,000 feet of containment boom has been placed between the Camden Avenue Bridge and the Riverside Drive Bridge to contain the spill.
"This operation is a fine example of our partnership among federal, state and local agencies along with the private sector," said Cmdr. Austin Gould, the acting sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. "Together, we're working to eliminate an environmental threat to the Chesapeake Bay."
“The University appreciates these agencies’ support and leadership that have minimized the impact of this spill on the University, the community and our shared watershed,” said Dr. Tom Jones, provost at Salisbury University.
Wicomico County Emergency Management responded to a report of a strong fuel odor near Tony Tank Pond Wednesday night.
Wicomico County Emergency Management contacted the National Response Center reporting diesel fuel in the water about 8:42 p.m. Wednesday. NRC notified Coast Guard Sector Baltimore personnel of the spill. Investigators from Sector Baltimore arrived on scene about 12:50 a.m.
The Coast Guard confirmed Salisbury University as the source of the spill and had the spill secured by 1:15 a.m. The diesel fuel is believed to have leaked from a fuel tank on the roof of the Henson Science Hall on campus.
A unified command has been established with the Coast Guard and representatives from Salisbury University, Maryland Department of the Environment, Salisbury City Fire Department and Wicomico County Emergency Management.
To report further fuel sheen or wildlife affected by the spill, contact the Coast Guard Command Center at 410-576-2525.
8:41 a.m. Thursday, March 12
SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University is participating in a unified command response to a pollution spill in Tony Tank Pond in Salisbury.
An unknown amount of red dye diesel fuel is believed to have leaked from a fuel tank on campus late Wednesday night.
A unified command has been established with the U.S. Coast Guard and representatives from SU, the Maryland Department of the Environment, Salisbury City Fire Department and Wicomico County Emergency Management.
Miller Environmental Group has been hired to clean the spill.
The cause of the spill is currently under investigation.