MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on Tuttle Creek Lake in Manhattan, Kan.
KDHE officials said the issuance of the stream advisory results from the release of diesel fuel from a tank on a commercial barge. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and KDHE are assessing the extent of the spill to maintain minimal impact on the affected area.
Officials with KDHE indicated the public are advised to avoid the cove until recovery and remediation efforts are concluded.
KDHE officials noted they will rescind the advisory once conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the work is being conducted by the Water Injection Dredging project contractor, Michels, and their subcontracted hazardous materials (hazmat) team.
On Tuesday, March 17, response crews were on-site to deploy containment measures. The submerged fuel tank was fully enclosed with containment boom by noon. Throughout the day, additional absorbent booms and pads were strategically placed to contain and collect observed surface sheen and collect recoverable diesel in the cove.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said following a joint site assessment yesterday afternoon, EPA began providing additional federal oversight to ensure thorough and effective cleanup. The contractor’s hazmat team is mobilizing additional personnel and equipment to the site for today’s operations to enhance the containment and recovery work.
USACE has developed a comprehensive water quality sampling and monitoring plan in coordination with KDHE. This plan will guide future decisions regarding downstream releases. At this time, impacts appear to be limited to surface water in the immediate vicinity of the incident.
USACE officials said a specialized dive team began on-site dive operations on Wednesday, March 18. The primary goal is to assess the condition of the submerged fuel tank, develop and execute a plan to safely recover it. Until the tank is recovered and its contents can be measured, the exact quantity of fuel lost cannot be determined.
Officials said the responding agencies are committed to a safe, aggressive and effective response to protect the public and the environment.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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