photo by Brent McDonald (NewsChannel 9)
Norfolk Southern Railroad has been identified as the source of the fuel spill that was discovered late Monday afternoon, officials said.
The spill originated from the DeButts Yard and Norfolk Southern has taken responsibility for the spill and has assured city, state and federal authorities that it is making every effort to minimize the impact on Citico Creek and the Tennessee River, it was stated.
Norfolk Southern has hired several environmental remediation companies to do the cleanup work, which is expected to take several days. The investigation into the cause of the spill will be handled jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
The cleanup was continuing on Tuesday morning on a large fuel spill at Citico Creek near the mouth of the Tennessee River.
The location is near the intake for Chattanooga's drinking water.
Water company officials said, "We responded immediately and feel confident that there is no threat to the drinking water supply.
"We were informed by emergency management personnel on Monday evening of a diesel spill on Citico Creek which is adjacent to our property. We are monitoring the situation and have been in contact with TDEC.
"Emergency management personnel shared with us that an environmental cleanup company would be cleaning the spill.
"Our monitoring and analysis of water samples yesterday did not indicate any changes related to the spill. We are also performing additional sampling while the cleanup continues.
"We have a plant operator on site 24/7 that monitors and samples at the plant at all times.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we are utilizing powdered activated carbon since yesterday evening. The carbon is a protocol recommended by TDEC for emergency readiness. The carbon helps to eliminate any probable contaminants when the water is initially drawn into the plant from the river."
Around 6:30 Monday night, the Chattanooga Fire Department was notified of the petroleum spill. CFD, the City's Public Works Department and City Engineering are now working with officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Coast Guard, as well as HEPACO, on clean up and remediation, as well as on identifying the material and its source.
Assistant Chief Danny Hague with the fire department's Special Operations division said the quantity spilled was well in excess of 1,000 gallons. Haz-mat crews with the fire department and Hamilton County Emergency Services deployed containment booms on the creek on Monday night in an effort to contain the spill.
Officials said citizens may notice a sheen or odor on Citico Creek or the Tennessee River, south of where the creek enters the river. Haz-mat crews are aware of the situation and are presently working to resolve the issue.
The public is asked to please refrain from approaching this site to avoid getting in the way of emergency vehicles and cleanup equipment.
The Riverwalk is closed in that vicinity.
photo by Brent McDonald, (NewsChannel 9)