The Urbana Fire Department responded to the 200 block of South Gregory St., Monday, April 15, 2019, at 2:43 p.m., to what appeared to be a petroleum base sheen in the Boneyard Creek. Fire crews deployed absorbent booms across the Boneyard Creek to contain the spill and notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
The IEPA arrived on site April 16, and began working with both the Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments to manage this incident. Originally, the source of the spill was believed to be from contaminated water being pumped from a construction site at 708 S. Sixth St. in Champaign. Subsequent investigation located a source of potential contamination coming from 812 S. Sixth St., Champaign. A fuel oil tank in the basement at that location began leaking into a floor drain believed to tie into the storm sewer.
A hazardous materials contractor has been hired by the owner of 812 S. Sixth St., and with guidance from the IEPA, mitigation of the spill began late afternoon on April 16.
Contacts:
Randy Smith, Champaign Deputy Fire Marshal, 217-403-7212
Chuck Lauss, Urbana Fire Chief, 217-649-1602