In a significant environmental incident, emergency crews from multiple government agencies are working tirelessly to clean up a 2,000-gallon diesel spill along Baltimore’s waterfront. The spill, located near the East Harbor Marina in the Patapsco River, originated from a Johns Hopkins Hospital facility in East Baltimore.
Cause of the Spill
According to a spokesperson for Johns Hopkins, the incident was caused by two diesel tanks being overfilled during a routine fuel delivery by a third-party vendor. These tanks supply power for backup generators at patient care facilities. Upon discovery, Johns Hopkins promptly notified the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), which has since collaborated with local, state, and federal authorities to manage the response.
Initial Impact and Containment Efforts
Initially, the spill was estimated at 100 gallons. However, officials later confirmed it to be significantly larger, reaching 2,000 gallons and affecting an area approximately 100 yards by 250 yards. The MDE indicated that the spill's red color is due to dye in the diesel fuel that is used for heating.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been instrumental in the response, deploying oil absorbent materials and skimmers to extract fuel from the water. "Containment and cleanup efforts will continue through the night," officials assured, emphasizing their commitment to restoring the affected area.
Impact on Wildlife and Community
Wildlife in the vicinity has also been affected. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working diligently to rescue animals such as ducks, geese, and turtles. Efforts were underway to clean the animals and provide them with the care they need.
Key Takeaways for Businesses and Property Owners
- Understand the risks associated with fuel storage and delivery.
- Implement proper training for staff handling hazardous materials.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations to mitigate liability.
- Have pollution insurance in place to cover potential cleanup costs and liability claims.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental risk management. Businesses must be proactive in addressing pollution exposures to protect not only their assets but also the surrounding community.