The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is waiting the results from tests being conducted on soil from along Rocky Creek following a Nov. 17 spill.
EPD Communications Director Kevin Chambers said they hoped to have the analytical sampling results sooner, but the report was delayed by the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
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.
Chambers said they have done a visual survey of the impacted area.
“We didn’t see any sheen or notice any odor and there was no evidence of any distressed or dead fish,” he said. “The absorbent boom remain in place and the city was advised that it could be removed.”
Chambers says the investigation into how the spill happened continues. They have, however, been able to narrow down their list of suspects.
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“Our investigation determined that the spill was traced to a property just north of North Leg Road adjacent to Rocky Creek,” said Jeff Darley, EPD district manager for the East Central District.
MORE: Agencies continue to monitor contamination in Rocky Creek
The spill was discovered when Augusta Fire/Rescue was called to the area of North Leg Road and Commerce Drive on reports of a gasoline-like smell. The hazmat 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.
A very light sheen was seen as far away as Doug Barnard Parkway.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
