E.P.A. Issues Order For Cleanup Of Oil Spill Near Lockport, Illinois

No. 10-OPA152

Chicago (Dec. 17, 2010) - E.P.A. Region five has issued an order setting deadlines for completion of cleanup and restoration work at a location near Lockport, Illinois, where an oil pipeline spill was discovered Tuesday.

The pipeline is owned by West Shore Pipe Line Co., and is operated by Buckeye Pipe Line Co., L.P. Approximately 21,000 gallons of oil were released in the vicinity of New Avenue in Lockport and Romeoville.

The E.P.A. order requires West Shore and Buckeye to establish a work project to complete cleanup and restoration of the spill area. The affected area is near wetlands that are home to several endangered species. E.P.A. also is monitoring air quality to assess any potential impacts on the health and safety of workers and residents.

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 designates E.P.A. as the lead agency responsible for responding to inland oil spills. E.P.A. is working closely with local and state responders, including local fire and police departments, the Illinois E.P.A., the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, the U.S.F.W.S., and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The spill was discovered at approximately seven a.m. Dec. 14, when local fire officials received a complaint about petroleum odors. Buckeye shut down the pipeline within the hour.

To view the order and other updates on EPA's involvement in cleanup of this spill, go to http://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/lockport/ online.

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