Cleanup of oil spill in Ridley Creek near Media nearly finished.
In the wake of a recent oil spill incident, cleanup operations are nearing completion along Ridley Creek following a tanker truck accident that occurred on September 22. The truck, which was transporting home heating oil, crashed near Media, Pennsylvania, resulting in a significant amount of oil leaking into the waterway.
Local and county officials have reported that Ridley Creek Road will continue to face closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until remediation efforts are fully finalized. Larry Bak, the chief of the county’s hazardous materials (hazmat) crew, indicated that teams from Lewis Environmental have already removed the contaminated soil from the site, with plans to refill the area shortly. The environmental consulting firm Aquaterra is overseeing the cleanup and conducting necessary testing to ensure that the recovery efforts are thorough.
The tanker truck, belonging to Cardinal USA, lost control while traveling on the Route 1 Bypass, causing it to roll over and come to a stop with its cab precariously positioned off the edge of an overpass. This accident resulted in the release of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of oil onto both the roadway and into the creek below, as reported by Upper Providence Fire Marshal Alan Mancill.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities have made public safety a priority in responding to the spill. The Delaware County Emergency Services Department’s hazmat team worked quickly to contain the oil’s flow downstream, erecting containment booms in the creek to prevent further contamination. The Aqua water treatment facility, situated about a mile and a half downstream, was promptly notified to shut off its intake upon discovering the spilled oil. Although the facility later resumed operations once the water was deemed safe, precautionary measures remain in place.
The cleanup operation has presented unique challenges due to the spill’s location, which has resulted in contamination spread across a hillside, the creek, and marshy areas beneath the bridge. To manage this complex situation, crews have employed specialized excavators with extended arms and constructed a temporary dam to facilitate better access for cleanup efforts.
Following the completion of the initial cleanup, soil sampling and monitoring will continue for an additional two years to assess the long-term impact of the spill. Restoration of the environment remains a critical focus for local officials, highlighting the importance of diligent safety and environmental protocols in the aftermath of such incidents.
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