SITREP ONE
29 January, 2000
These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurrence Date: | 28 January |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lowell, MA |
| Source: | Tanker Truck |
| Material: | Gasoline |
| Severity: | Major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 11,900 Gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | 5,000 Gallons |
| Body of Water Affected: | Merrimack River |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA Region I |
On 28 January at 1121 PM, the NRC received a report from the Lowell Fire Dept. of a tanker truck that had rolled over and released approximately 2,000 gallons of gasoline into the Merrimack River, in Lowell, MA. At 0242 AM on 29 January, we received a report from Mobile Oil, the responsible party, concerning this spill. They reported that the entire contents of the tanker had been released, which was approximately 12,000 gallons. They reported that at least half of the material had made it into the frozen Merrimack River. There is the potential for much more of the product to make it into the river. EPA I is FOSC and the fire dept is on scene, along with clean up contractors. They are using vac trucks to remove the material from the river. They are investigating to see where the rest of the product is located and whether or not it will make it into the river. EPA I is also assisting in locating any water intakes near by. Clean up is being delayed due to inclement weather.