Thursday, March 12, 2015

FAILED SHUT-OFF VALVE CAUSES GASOLINE SPILL THAT CONTAMINATES CREEK IN MURRYSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA






MARCH 12, 2015

MURRYSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Both lanes of westbound state Route 22 in Murrysville have reopened after a gas spill that contaminated a creek, a Westmoreland County 911 dispatch supervisor said.

The spill occurred around 1:45 p.m. at a Sunoco gas station that is connected to a Dunkin' Donuts at 3980 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA 15668. A hazmat team and a state environmental inspector responded.

"I think they have the situation under control," said John Poister, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. "This is not a large spill, but nonetheless you have to treat every spill with care and get as much up as you can."

Initial reports indicate the automatic shut-off on a gas pump did not properly engage when someone was filling a tank, leading to a 20-gallon spill. Gas then got into a storm drain and flowed into the creek, Mr. Poister said.

The 911 supervisor said the substance was unleaded gasoline.

"We don’t believe too much got into the drain and ultimately into the creek but were cautious," Mr. Poister said. "There was a small leak and everybody was airing on the side of caution here."

Emergency responders were placing booms -- long, buoyant, plastic floats that trap gasoline-tainted water -- in the creek and will likely use either absorbent pads or a vacuum to clean up the spill, Mr. Poister said.

Mr. Poister said he did not know the name of the contaminated creek or how far it is from the spill site. He added that while gasoline can cause a fish kill, he did not know if any wildlife or vegetation was affected.

Mr. Poister said he would not have complete information about the impact of the spill until the agency's inspector files a report on Friday.
Source:www.post-gazette.com