Pipeline Leak Fouls Nature Preserve

Photo: Adam Gerard/cc/flickr

Common Dreams | Mar 19, 2014 | Andrea Germanos

Up to 10,000 gallons of oil spills into conservation area in Ohio 

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A nature preserve in Ohio has added its name to the long list of victims of oil spills.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 10,000 gallons of crude spilled in the Oak Glen Nature Preserve due to a pipeline leak.

Though the leak was reported around 8 PM Monday, area residents say they'd smelled petroleum or days.

The Mid-Valley Pipeline is owned primarily by Sunoco, and runs from Longview, Texas to Samaria, Michigan.

An investigation by the Colerain Township Fire Department Monday evening found that the spill "posed a significant threat" to the environment and wetlands of the preserve.
Reuters reports:

Some oil reached a wetland a mile (1.6 km) away and on Tuesday, clean-up crews were preparing to vacuum the wetland, located 20 miles north of Cincinnati.

The oil did not appear to have reached the Great Miami River, though tests were still being completed, the EPA said.

"Sunoco Logistics emergency response crews and contractors have contained a crude oil release on the Mid-Valley 20" pipeline outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Recovery of the released product has begun," according to a statement released by Sunoco. "The pipeline was immediately shut down remotely on either side of the release area. Initial estimates are that 240 barrels were released. The cause of the release is under investigation."

Crews estimate clean-up could take weeks.