A diesel fuel spill was discovered Sunday afternoon in the Johnson Creek area of Leo French Park, prompting immediate response from city officials and cleanup crews.
Mayor Gary Moore provided details of the incident, explaining that diesel fuel was detected in Johnson Creek, leading to an immediate investigation and cleanup effort. Moore, along with Fairfield Fire Chief Andrew Miller and water distribution personnel, conducted an initial investigation by inspecting storm sewer covers to locate the source of the leak.
The investigation traced the source to the old Fairfield Power Plant, where officials discovered that someone had tampered with the diesel tank shutoff valves. A police report was filed with Fairfield Police regarding the unauthorized access to the facility. Police Chief Ben Lewis confirmed that the investigation is still in the preliminary stage.
The city responded quickly by bringing in a specialized cleanup crew from Effingham Sunday afternoon to assist with diesel fuel removal. The cleanup efforts included deploying absorption pads and containment measures, including a specialized “sock” to manage the contaminated water flow.
Mayor Moore confirmed that the Illinois EPA was notified and has been actively involved in overseeing the situation. The containment efforts were aided by an exposed sewer line crossing Johnson Creek, which inadvertently acted as a barrier preventing downstream contamination.
The city is implementing additional measures, including the installation of skimmers in Johnson Creek to collect hydrocarbons. The EPA has approved the city’s response measures and continues to monitor the cleanup progress.
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