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 Seattle City Light
News Release |
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| Subject:
Diablo Fact Sheet 7-16-08 |
For Immediate Release:
7/16/2008 12:29:00 PM |
For More Information Contact:
Scott Thomsen (206) 386-4233
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What: Oil Spill at Ross Dam into Diablo Lake
When: Original spill - June 19, 2008 - residual oil detected July 11
How: Leak from transformer cooling system at Ross Powerhouse
Result: A total of 280 gallons drained from the transformer, approximately 150 gallons
reached Diablo Lake
o The National Park Service and Seattle City Light advise the public that a small amount of oil "sheen" remains on Diablo Lake, primarily near the base of Ross Dam. The public is asked to avoid this area to prevent any disturbance of the remaining oil residue;
o The Lake is open to boater use, including transport to and from Ross Lake. City Light is asking the public's cooperation in avoiding areas under active clean up. The Colonial Creek boat launch area is not affected by the spill;
o If contact is made with the sheen, we advise individuals to wash themselves and their boating equipment in simple, soapy water. Three sites have been set up on Diablo Lake for removing any oil from watercraft - all materials are provided, including gloves and disposal containers. The clean-up locations are being staffed during daylight hours (5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) until the clean-up is complete. The locations are:
Ross Powerhouse barge landing
Colonial Creek campground
Seattle City Light's Diablo Boat Landing
o The majority of the oil has been contained and removed. However, due to wind, fluctuating lake levels and boaters breaching the area, some oil escaped the booms. Seattle City Light is working with its environmental clean-up contractor, NRC to clean up any remaining oil;
o Very low levels of PCBs less than 10 parts per million (ppm), were present in the oil while in the transformer. There has been no detection of PCBs in the lake water and sample monitoring continues until all of the remaining residual oil is removed;
o The Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard - Spill Response Unit were notified promptly after the June 19 spill and are aware of clean-up activities. The remaining clean-up is a part of the original effort.
For more information, please contact:
Seattle City Light: Lynn Best (206) 386-4586 or Suzanne Hartman (206) 615-0050
National Park Service: Kinsey Shilling or Kelly Bush at Park Dispatch (360) 854-7249
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Customer Service
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Call (206) 684-3000
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