DEP Investigating Diesel Spill In Westmoreland Co. Creek
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) -- The Department of Environmental Protection says a leak in a home heating oil tank is responsible for a diesel fuel spill in Sewickley Creek near Adolph Lane in Westmoreland County.
Hazmat crews were called to the creek around 12 a.m. Friday. Neighbors called the DEP complaining of a strong smell nearby.
"It's important that whoever did this, whether it was an accidental or a break in a pipeline, they have to know that and be responsible for it," John Poister with the Department of Environmental Protection said.
Poister says the homeowners were unaware the tank had a small crack, causing the leak. It had just been filled on Thursday.
The DEP put booms in the water overnight to contain the spill until it is cleaned up. An inspector was at the creek Friday morning, piecing the puzzle together and collecting water samples.
"Diesel fuel is not something that you want to have in a creek. Particularly a creek like Sewickley Creek. So what we're saying is yes, it could affect fish and other aquatic life," Poister said.
However, the DEP says there is no evidence of fish kill yet. Officials believe drinking water has not been affected.
The DEP says they might have to bring in their own clean up crew to vacuum away the mess.
The homeowners are cooperating.
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