Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Oil polution from old pipe line

I have discovered an old oil spill that probably happened in the 60's. The vein is about 5 inches thick and is 4 feet deep covered with silt. I am currently removing the silt during the dry weather here in Oklahoma and just found it while digging. It seems to be contained to about 5 feet wide and 40 feet long. If I remove it from the property how will I seal the soil to prevent it spoiling my water? Any chemicals to add that will neutilize the water and soil. I have a small amount of water still in the old pond and at least a dozen nice fish still remain. I could move them to another pond on the property. Help :p

Contact the Okla. Corporation Commission and ask them for info regarding how to deal with an old oil spill. See links below. But understand they may try to take control of the problem and fix it their way. You can not just move oil contaminated dirt to some other place . It has to go to an approved haz. materials/oil field disposal site ($$$).

http://www.occ.state.ok.us/Divisions/OG/ogpa.htm

http://www.occ.state.ok.us/Divisions/OG/Ogold.htm

Thanks for the tip. I have had the OCC on the land and the problem is burden of proof. The spill is so old it will be hard to find the smoking gun. The pipeline has changed hands several times and was built in 1937. It is an old Gulf oil line. I have 2 other gas lines that are under the pond and this line has been out of use for many many years. In fact it has a 6 in hole in the 8 in pipe. I am in the process of having it removed or buried. I am in a little tiff with the new pipeline owners who say they are going to use the line to run oil....right. Thanks for your reply.

There are 2 different points here. One is who is responsible/liable ($$$ ) for the damage of which burden of proof plays a part. Second is envior. danger to water and clean up in which burden of proof is not applicable. From what you have said the CC must have decided that the spill is not a risk to surface or groundwater. Did they tell you that. If it were me I would sure like to know if it is still a danger to water. If you are concerned and any real $ are at risk you should talk to a natural resource lawyer. The normal way a matter like this is approached all the potentially responsible parties (PRP's) are notified and all are liable and they have to sort it out amongst themselves.

I think that is a good idea. I am going to have my lawyer send all of the pipeline companies a little letter. He has all of the photos, soil and water samples I have collected. Would you like to see what I am up against? I don't know how to post photos on this site since I am a fingerling but I can send you an email. It is an interesting situation. I do work for the OERB which is the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board and I am very tight with them. Their hands are tied because it is a production pipe line and not an old oil well site. We have checked the records and there is no sign of a well on my 11 acre property.

If you have to do it yourself you might try one of these products:

http://www.osei.net/Index.html

http://www.coirpeat.net/applications.html

Just in case, I think I'd move the fish.

Bassman:

As an aside, if you get the OK from your state folks, you ought to consider removing the contaminated soil to someplace else on your own property.

The oil will naturally degrade to the point it is of no risk, over time. Exposure to air and food for the microbes will speed the process. If you can find an area where stormwater flow will not cause you problems in your pond or any neighboring streams suggest this to them.

Haul it someplace, spread it rather thinly (maybe 24" deep or so) and add some really cheap fertilizer (the mix is not critical) or, even better, some manure. Till it up some, and leave it alone. Seed it if you wish, or let native plants cover it.

Over a couple years time, the TPH levels will gradually decline to zero.

This is how we've handled several spills over the years (diesel fuel, motor oil, hydraulic oil, etc.) and it does work. Heat, moisture and air are the critical ingredients. Fertilizer just makes things happen faster.

Obviously, having someone else handle it or pay you to do so would be great. However, in the end, the goal is to get your property to the point you can use it as you see fit. This is just one way of doing so relatively cheaply...get hold of me, if you want more specific info. This is what I do and I'd be glad to help you if possible.

Matt Clark

Please make sure that your really cheap fertilizer isn't Ammonium Nitrate.

Thank you for all of the great ideas and information links to help solve my problem. Pond Boss ROCKS! I have learned so much in just the last couple months in regards to many issues and the information kept me from making huges mistakes! I am still dealing with the oil companies at this point and it is 14 degrees here in Tulsa so I probably won't get to take action for at least 30-60 days. I will post an update when I complete the work.

I don't know about crude oil but diesel fuel is, or has been used in hatchery pools to control mosquitoes. I had a diesel fuel spill into my pond from an oil drilling site upstream several years ago with no resultant damage to my fish. On the other hand, it was hell on the marginal plants around the pond.

Layton,

Diesel fuel to control mosquitoes in hatchery ponds? You've got to be kidding. Gambusia are much cheaper and certainly more environmental friendly.

That reminds me of the post on here many months ago (years ago?) in which a guy recommended IVOMEC for treating his dogs. Occasionally he lost one after treatment, but it worked to kill internal parasites. ...yeah diesel fuel probably kills mosquitoes really well, but...

Wow, diesel fuel in the water? That's harsh...

I always lean towards "Bioremediation". Let the critters (microbes, etc.) do what God intended them to do. In the end, if you've the area to do it, it's always more cost effective than hauling the soil to some hole in the ground. That's where it originally came from, and you see how it's not improved a bit since it was spilled.