The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is keeping an eye on Rocky Creek following the spill of a foul-smelling chemical on Nov. 17.
EPD says the initial investigation indicates the material released was probably a mixture of diesel fuel and gasoline. The agency is still working to determine how much of the contamination was spilled.
“Impacted soil/source material has been excavated by remedial contractors and confirmation sample analysis is expected early next week,” said EPD Communications Director Kevin Chambers. “The absorbent boom will likely stay in the creek until next week as an extra precaution. EPD staff have visually surveyed several miles of creek today and noticed only a light sheen and very little odor.”
Chambers says they also continue to investigate the source of the release and how it occurred.
“Our investigation determined that the spill was traced to a property just north of North Leg Road adjacent to Rocky Creek. All contaminated soils were remediated last Friday,” said Jeff Darley, EPD district manager for the East Central District. “Absorbent booms and pads remain in the creek at miscellaneous locations for several miles of the creek. A very light sheen was seen as far away as Doug Barnard Parkway although no sheen was noted at this location yesterday.”
The spill was discovered Wednesday morning when Augusta Fire/Rescue was called to the area of North Leg Road and Commerce Drive because of reports of a gasoline-like smell. The Haz-Mat team was brought in when they discovered an unknown substance.
Jason DeHart, public information officer for Augusta Fire, said environmental cleanup crews were brought in. They contained and removed the substance then focused on hazard mitigation and containment.
The Savannah Riverkeeper was also on the scene. Executive Director Tonya Bonitatibus suspects someone may have been washing down a piece of equipment in a parking lot and the runoff went into a ditch and then the creek.
“Hopefully, the creek will continue to flush itself,” she said. “It’s lucky because there’s no rain. That allowed for a greater ability to remove the product. And as far as I can tell, they’ve kept it out of Phinizy Swamp, which was very important.”
Bonitatibus also said she saw a large number of fish killed in the creek; she believes the fish kill was caused by the chemical.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
