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Feb. 28, 2001
Vol. 31, No. 59
For further information, contact Chief William Hill, Enforcement Section,
302-739-5072; or Melinda Carl, Information and Education, 302-739-4506
DNREC Investigating Water Pollution Discharge at Motiva;
Spill Discovered 1/2 Mile from Source by DNREC Environmental Protection
Official
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control discovered
an unpermitted discharge from the Motiva Enterprises Delaware City refinery
acid production unit into a tributary of Red Lion Creek late yesterday
afternoon. State environmental officials directed Motiva personnel to
take immediate action to stop the flow at the source and limit impacts
to the environment.
Motiva was also directed to perform remediation by digging out the
contaminated soil identified at the site.
A water solution containing approximately 25 percent sodium hydroxide,
the active ingredient in many household drain cleaners, leaked out of
a valve on the neutralizer tank and into a storm ditch that flows into
a tributary of Red Lion Creek after a sump pump failed.
DNREC environmental protection officers who responded to the spill
estimated the flow at more than five gallons per minute when they arrived
at the plant and directed that immediate action be taken. Tests conducted
last evening indicated normal pH levels at Red Lion Creek. Test results
performed at a location near the spill and in the creek tributary indicated
elevated pH levels.
DNREC is in the process of conducting additional tests and an inspection
of the waterways from the Delaware River up to the point of discharge
to assess any environmental impacts that may have occurred from the
spill. DNREC will continue its investigation of the unpermitted discharge,
including the quantity of the spillage and its duration. Enforcement
action is pending.
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