Pipeline that runs from Tx. to Ohio ruptured causing an oil spill into the Ky. River. 63,000 gallons poured into the Ky. River before it was stopped. The river rose last night causing floating trees and debris to break the booms that were to stop the oil. Oil is now in the Ohio River.
Corrosion in a pipe was the cause of the spill. Kentucky environmental regulators have issued 5 citations to Mid-Vally, the company that owns the pipe, for the spill. The company had four spills in the state between 1990 and 2003.
2-20-05 Update - new analysis puts the estimate of the spill at more than 82,300 gallons, estimates
are that more than 61,740 was collected, and as much as 20,000 gallons either remain, evaporated, or was trapped in debris or shoreline.
There are many clean-up sites going on, the pictures below are of the site at the confluence of the Ky. and Ohio rivers.
Oil Spill flowing down the Ky. River to the Ohio. These are taken at the confluence of the two rivers.
What a Mess ! ! !
Ky. side of the bridge
Booms are only about 2-4 feet deep and act as a filter
Friday 2-04-05 There is a sheen on the water, just like when gasoline is poured in water
Attempt at a close-up using an Olympus C-210 in front of Nikon 5700, will try again later.
Another C-210 shot - Sat. 2-05-05
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2-06-05 Decontaminating the booms
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Takes approx. 6 hours to decon the johnboats
Relaxing on the river
You can see the amount of gravel on the shore, all of that had to be added