Cleanup continues after Whiteford Township fuel oil leak

Staff Reports
Updated ·2 min read
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WHITEFORD TWP. — Creek cleanup and drinking water testing continue in Whiteford Township following a diesel fuel oil leak at the Pilot Travel Center in the township. The source of the leak was determined to be a leaking fuel line at the center; the leak has been repaired.

Containment boom (orange) and absorbent boom (white) help stop the flow of fuel oil in Tenmile Creek.
Containment boom (orange) and absorbent boom (white) help stop the flow of fuel oil in Tenmile Creek.

So far, 11,395 gallons of fuel have been recovered and disposed of at an approved facility. Also collected were 308,351 gallons of diesel mixed with water; that also was property disposed of, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) said in a news release.

On March 22, EGLE was notified of an unknown sheen in the Tenmile Creek. EGLE requested assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify the source of the fuel and help with downstream containment. The EPA began removing pooled diesel fuel with a vacuum truck.

Vacuum trucks removed oil and oil-contaminated water from Tenmile Creek.
Vacuum trucks removed oil and oil-contaminated water from Tenmile Creek.

"The discharge of diesel flowed into an on-site storm sewer, retention pond and offsite storm sewer leading into north Tenmile Creek near the southwest corner of the US-23 and US-223 interchange," EGLE said in the news release. "EPA has placed absorbent boom at the outfall and along the creek to contain and collect remaining diesel."

An overflow dam was installed to stop and contain the flow of diesel fuel further downstream.
An overflow dam was installed to stop and contain the flow of diesel fuel further downstream.

EGLE and the Monroe County Health Department began sampling nearby private drinking water wells on Monday. Results are expected soon. On Thursday, the health department announced that all residents of Whiteford Township who get water from a private well are eligible to have their water sampled free. For an appointment, call 844-934-1315. Appointments are available weekdays until April 11.

Whiteford Townships residents can fill their own containers with bulk water 24 hours a day at the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department Station, 9244 Whiteford Center Road. Bottled water was being distributed through Friday.

Previous Coverage: Bulk water available to Whiteford Township residents affected by fuel leak

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For more information, contact the Environmental Health Division at 734-240-7900 or eh_frontdesk@monroemi.org. Local public health information and updates are available at healthymonroecounty.com and on social media (@MCHDMichigan).

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Cleanup continues after Whiteford Township fuel oil leak