By Jesten Richardson
The Herald-Dispatch/HD Media
Appalachian Power has begun removing the transformer alleged to have been vandalized at its East Lynn substation in Wayne County, the West Virginia Department of Health said Wednesday.
“This critical step will allow for full remediation and restoration efforts in the affected areas,” reads the update, which was provided in a Facebook post on Wednesday evening.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has said alleged vandalism at the substation led to a leak of 4,900 gallons of transformer oil into local waterways.
Wayne water customers have been under a “do not consume” order for their water since Jan. 16, and the DOH has said hydrocarbons — specifically, transformer (mineral) oil — have been found in Wayne’s water system. Wednesday, the DOH said weather conditions have delayed the flushing of Wayne’s water system.
The town is still getting help from the DEP, and under its oversight, additional equipment, staff and resources were mobilized at the substation site Wednesday by environmental contractors.
“Crews are focusing on containment and remediation efforts,” the update said. “This includes maintenance and reinforcement work on the underflow dams and containment booms, as well as ongoing material collection activities. These operations will continue as weather conditions permit.”
Those over the oil spill/water situation are stillawaiting results from somesamples that were collected Tuesday, according to the update. Some additional samples were also collected on Wednesday to be submitted for testing, it said.
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