Health officials after fuel spill: Stay out of the French Broad River

ASHEVILLE — Paddlers, dog walkers and anglers should stay out of the French Broad River from the Amboy Road Bridge north to downtown Marshall while a petroleum fuel spill is being cleaned up, health officials say.

On Sunday afternoon, thousands of gallons of oil spilled into the river from an above-ground storage tank at the Mountain Energy Bulk Fuel facility, at 288 Lyman St., about 100 feet from the river, said Laura Leonard, spokeswoman with the North Carolina Division of Waste Management, which has been overseeing cleanup.

The Asheville Fire Department responded to the incident Sunday and placed a magnetic patch over the hole in the tank and placed salvage drums under the tank to contain the flow, said spokeswoman Kelley Klope.

“We got it to a very slow drip and allowed Mountain Environmental Services to offload the rest of the fuel into two other trucks,” she said.

Klope said AFD estimated 4,000 gallons spewed into the French Broad, while Leonard said it was closer to 1,000 gallons. Leonard said the tank holds up to 20,000 gallons of oil. Max Kimel, owner of Mountain Environmental, said he estimates the remediation company has removed some 16,000 gallons of oil remaining in the tank.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health and N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources warn the public to stay out of the river until it is tested and declared safe.

According to the Health Department, there were no reports of fish kills, but there is an oil sheen that can be seen for 2 miles, as well as odor and discoloration in the areas affected by the spill, which took place close to the RiverLink offices and former 12 Bones site.

The Department of Environmental Quality has obtained test samples from Jean Webb Park, The Floating Boat Ramp at Craven Street, Woodfin Riverside Park, and Ledges Whitewater River Park to determine the impact of the fuel spill.

“People and pets should avoid all contact with water in the French Broad River starting around Jean Webb Park in the River Arts District to downstream areas as far as the Town of Marshall,” the Health Department said in a statement. “This includes activities such as swimming, wading, canoeing or rafting.”

The public is warned to keep out of the water at riverside parks and access points including Jean Webb Park, Pearson Bridge Access Point, The Floating Boat Ramp at Craven Street, Woodfin Riverside Park, or Ledges Whitewater River Park.

According to the Health Department, contact with or ingestion of heating fuel can cause health problems for humans and animals. Drinking small amounts of kerosene may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, stomach swelling and cramps, drowsiness, restlessness, painful breathing, irritability, and unconsciousness. Drinking large amounts may cause convulsions, coma, or death.

Health officials advise people or pets that come into contact with water in the spill area to wash themselves and their pets thoroughly with clean water and soap as soon as possible.

More information

If you see a multicolor or shiny, substance in the water or notice a fuel-like smell, call the Division of Environmental Quality at 828-296-4500. For health and safety questions, call Buncombe County Health and Human Services at 828-250-5016.

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