November 7, 2022: Significant Amount of Oil Recovered From Pocatello Creek Oil Spill, Minimal Impact to Portneuf River
Local, state, and federal cleanup crews working to recover mineral oil released into Pocatello Creek have collected approximately 1,800 gallons of oil. Since arriving on-site, crews have prevented any significant discharge of the oil from impacting the Portneuf River. The spill was reported to officials November 2.
During an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Virginia Transformer Corporation confirmed the oil originated from its facility. The company estimates up to 6,000 gallons were released from a railcar and made its way to a storm drain connected to Pocatello Creek. The cause of the release is under investigation.
The EPA is conducting and funding the cleanup. Cleanup of contaminated soil and creek-bed will continue over the next several days. Pacific Recycling Trail is closed until further notice. EPA air monitoring has identified no public health concerns.
For any questions or concerns please contact City Public Works Director, Jeff Mansfield at 208-234-6212 or Bill Dunbar with the EPA at 206-245-7452.
November 4, 2022: City of Pocatello, EPA, IDEQ Working to Contain Oil Spill Near Pocatello Creek
The City of Pocatello including Pocatello Fire, Public Works, and the Mayor/Council Department, along with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responding to a significant oil spill believed to originate from an industrial site near Pocatello Creek in Pocatello, upstream of the Portneuf River. A light intermittent sheen is observable on the Portneuf River but no impacts to fish or wildlife have been observed.
Pocatello Fire and IDEQ first responded to the spill following a report from a Good Samaritan on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 2. Pocatello Fire hazmat teams immediately placed boom in Pocatello Creek to collect and contain the oil. EPA, IDEQ, and Pocatello Public Works responders worked overnight Thursday and into Friday to reinforce the containment and countermeasures established by Pocatello Fire, and EPA is continuing containment and recovery operations.
Investigators from the agencies believe the spill originated at the Titan Center, formerly known as Gateway West Industrial Center. The cause of the spill has yet to be determined and is under investigation. Pacific Recycling Trail is closed until further notice.
EPA air monitoring has identified no public health concerns.
For any questions or concerns please contact City Public Works Director, Jeff Mansfield at 208-234-6212 or Bill Dunbar with the EPA at 206-245-7452.