by Ali Freedlund
May 10, 2001

The growing incidence of diesel spills in the Mattole has many residents concerned about contaminated water and the harm to aquatic life. Although diesel can be easily smelled and avoided by humans, aquatic life is very sensitive. Diesel can kill insects, fish, and birds. In large amounts, it could absorb into the soil substrate and contaminate the creek for years to come.

Studies indicate that 50% of the population of test fish will die when exposed to just 53 parts per million diesel; that’s about one teaspoon of diesel in 25 gallons of water.

In April of 2000, approximately 2000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an above-ground storage tank into Blue Slide Creek in the Ettersburg area. A cleanup was attempted, and the MRC began to research this problem to find out how future accidents could be avoided. Through increased efforts of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the contracting company that undertook clean-up, actions to prevent further contamination were employed: contaminated soil was removed and secured, interception ditches were lined with impermeable material and a better method of cleaning collected groundwater was initiated. Cleanup efforts continue to ensure that no more diesel fuel enters the creek. However, soil samples conclude that the impacts from the one location will continue to affect the ecology of the creek for some time.

Because of the increasing use of generators in the Mattole, the probability of fuel spillage from above-ground storage tanks has also increased. People who depend on these generators around-the-clock are at more risk since they are using fuel more frequently. According to RWQCB staff, the majority of the diesel spills from above-ground tanks on private property in the county were due to negligence surrounding indoor marijuana cultivation.

If there is a diesel or other hazardous material spill, try to contain it, or at a minimum, prevent it from reaching any water source. A shovel can be the most useful tool in creating a berm to contain the hazardous material. Call your local fire department, and the Office of Emergency Services: (800) 852-7550. Remember to protect yourself – avoid direct contact with skin and clothing.

If you are a landowner, the wisest thing to do is prevent any possibility of a diesel spill on your land. The cost of cleanup in several local spills has reached into the tens of thousands of dollars, and causes ongoing regulatory headaches for landowners. Some people have even had to sell their property to pay for the cleanup.


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Table of Contents for Mattole Restoration Newsletter, Issue 16 - Spring/Sumer 2001