Cleanup Nearing Completion on Saw Creek in Summertown

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Led Efforts Following Truck Accident and Spill

SUMMERTOWN, Tenn. – Cleanup activities on Saw Creek in Summertown are nearing completion following a truck accident on June 16, 2011, which spilled approximately 5,000 gallons of asphalt emulsion material into the creek.

 

Following the spill, a cleanup contractor for the trucking company placed booms and dams in the creek to contain the material and began removing contaminated water.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assumed management of the cleanup, and as of June 23, finished removing the contaminated material from the creek.  Clean water was diverted around the impacted section of Saw Creek during the cleanup, and that water is now flowing back through the stream channel.  Contractors will remain onsite to remove equipment and stabilize the stream banks. 

 

The spill affected two property owners, who were advised to move cattle away from the impacted section of Saw Creek.  Because the contamination was contained, and clean water was diverted around the site, there should be no impacts to other property owners on the creek, or their livestock.  Healthy fish were noted downstream of the impacted area, and water samples will be collected to confirm adequate cleanup. 

 

Since the contaminated material was contained and removed, groundwater should not be affected.  Therefore, properly drilled wells that are not under the influence of surface water should not be impacted.

 

Anyone in the community who has questions, or would like information about how to have a private well tested, can call the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Columbia Field Office at 931-380-3371.

 

 

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