Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens wants residents to know there is no immediate or long term health hazards associated with Tuesday's oil spill.
The Ohio EPA said the spill went downstream from Turkey Run and Mason Run creeks into the Big Walnut Creek as far south as Three Creeks Metro Park. The spill, at least 2,500 gallons, originated at Canadian company GFL Environmental on E. 5th Avenue Tuesday afternoon from an overfilled rail tanker, according to first responders with the Columbus Division of Fire.
Bivens spoke to WOSU Thursday after being at the scene of the oil spill cleanup in Whitehall Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Bivens said his focus is on the health of the city, but stressed that officials with Franklin County and the state believe health impacts to residents should be minimal, if anything.
"We are taking every... all the information that we get from our residents serious to the extent if they're experiencing dizziness, headaches or any of the those after effects. We definitely want to know that and we have alerted our residents of the same," Bivens said.
The Ohio EPA is still investigating the spill but did update WOSU Wednesday that it confirmed oil spread as far south as the southeast side metro park. The agency said it is still investigating just how much oil spilled into the local waterways and has contacted the company to learn more.
WOSU reached out to GFL Environmental on Thursday. The company declined to take any questions before hanging up the phone.
When asked, Bivens didn't say whether the spill upset him. Bivens spent much of the Tuesday evening and Wednesday knocking on doors near the creeks to check on residents.
Bivens said he witnessed the heavy amount of oil that was flowing quickly through the creeks because of the rain. He said the smell was very noticeable and was obviously kerosene.
"Based upon the type of petroleum product, the health impact to the community based on the information should be minor, but obviously we are still monitoring that," Bivens said.
Bivens said he defers to the Ohio EPA's investigation.
"I was definitely concerned because it is something that you don't hear every day," Bivens said. "But I reserve how I feel about it based upon the facts that I would receive as it relates to the investigation."
Bivens said he believes the city of Whitehall has no relationship with GFL Environmental and that it is within the city of Columbus jurisdiction.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks spokeswoman Jill Snyder said in an email that an oil sheen was noticed on the Big Walnut Creek last night and the park system contacted the EPA to let them know the spill has reached the park.
"(Park staff) have not noticed any impact on the wildlife. We are working to move some spill clean up supplies from Quarry Trails to help with containment and clean up," Snyder said.
An unrelated oil spill occurred at a tributary that flows into Quarry Trails Metro Park on Mother's Day.
Columbus Water and Power spokesman George Zonders told WOSU in a statement the area's drinking water wasn't impacted by the spill, but the agency did close two wells that draw from Big Walnut Creek as a precaution.
"(This) is not a problem for us because we have other wells not by Big Walnut that can sustain plant production. Those two wells will remain off until sampling confirms water in Big Walnut Creek is back to normal," Zonders said.
WOSU reached out to the Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife about impacts to the environment, but the agency did not immediately answer questions. A family of ducks was spotted Wednesday next to the creek covered in oil.
"The ODNR Division of Wildlife is assisting the Ohio EPA in its response to the contamination and clean up," ODNR said in a statement. "The investigation into the impact on wildlife is still ongoing as officers continue to assess the situation. The Division of Wildlife reminds the public to call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) if they spot wildlife in distress."
The Ohio Attorney General's Office, which has an environmental enforcement division, deferred to the Ohio EPA for questions.
Bivens said he will get a final briefing from Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, which has been the city's main liaison with the Ohio EPA on the spill. After that Bivens said he will decide how the community moves forward.
"What I'm looking for as it continues is one, that the creek heals; that we get back to a sense of normal; and that there are no immediate health hazards or impact to our residents or the environment," Bivens said.
