The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working tirelessly to contain a mineral oil spill at R.D. Bailey Lake, a critical issue affecting the Guyandotte River and the surrounding ecosystem in southern West Virginia. The spill, which occurred on Clear Fork in Wyoming County on January 29th, has been a challenging endeavor due to the dynamic nature of the environment.
Cleanup teams have been diligently working to contain the spill, using booms and absorbent pads. Despite initial efforts, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's containment measures were compromised by increased stream flow and damaged booms, allowing the oil to spread downstream. The oil has now reached R.D. Bailey Lake, posing a significant threat to the lake's ecosystem and water quality.
Brian Morgan, Reserve Manager for R.D. Bailey Lake, provided an update on the situation. He noted that while the lake is not entirely covered in oil, there is a visible sheen, and the oil has reached past Cup Creek. Morgan attributed the oil's movement to the snow and ice, followed by a warming period, and the flushing effect of the lake's natural water flow.
To prevent further contamination, the lake is currently closed to boat traffic. This decision aims to minimize the risk of fishermen and boaters interacting with the containment systems, potentially spreading contamination further into the lake. The Corps of Engineers is optimistic that the cleanup will be completed by early April, but they emphasize the dynamic nature of the situation.
In a press release, the Corps stated, "Equipment is being repositioned and adjusted to maintain effectiveness. Residents may continue to see surface sheen during cleanup operations. This is expected, as mineral oil floats and can separate into thin layers across the water surface." Containment booms will be monitored daily, and absorbent pads will be replaced as needed. Protective booms have also been installed around the dam's intake structure while water is released from deep below the surface.
The Corps assured the public that the released material is a highly refined, PCB-free mineral oil commonly used to cool electrical transformers. Environmental crews will remain onsite, and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) will continue to oversee the cleanup, sampling throughout the watershed and lake to track progress. The lake's boat ramps will remain closed to the public until the cleanup is complete. Residents are encouraged to report oil sightings to apcocleanup@aep.com for further updates and information.
