WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is responding to a transformer oil spill at an Appalachian Power substation in the Clear Fork area of Wyoming County.
According to WVDEP, a transformer at the facility was observed leaking oil that escaped the concrete containment pad and entered Reedy Branch of Clear Fork.
The agency received a spill report shortly after 8 a.m. Friday and immediately dispatched inspection staff to the site.
While initial response efforts captured most of the material, officials said some oil migrated beyond containment and into a nearby stream.
Remedial actions are ongoing.
Senator Rollan Roberts (R-Raleigh) says he has been in communications with Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office regarding the spill.
“I have been in contact with the governor’s office concerning the transformer oil spill at an Appalachian power substation in the Clear Fork area of Wyoming County,” Roberts said.
”I’ve been assured that they are moving quickly with remedial actions. Hopefully, the situation can be brought under control safely.”
Appalachian Power has environmental contractors on site conducting cleanup operations. Efforts include the use of vacuum equipment, additional containment structures, and absorbent materials to recover the oil.
The transformer involved is listed as containing approximately 14,000 gallons of oil, and the containment pad is designed to hold more than 15,000 gallons.
WVDEP has also dispatched its Homeland Security Emergency Response personnel with additional equipment to assist with the response.
The West Virginia Department of Health has been notified of the spill and has made additional notifications to public water systems located further downstream as a precaution.
WVDEP inspection staff are continuing to investigate the spill, assess potential environmental impacts, and will remain on site to oversee cleanup activities.
