Information from the Illinois EPA concerning the release of
contaminants to ditches along and near Mabin and Griffin Streets in Danville
Fact Sheet #1
June 2010
Danville, Illinois
Background
On June 1, the Illinois EPA conducted an inspection of ditches along Mabin
and Griffin Streets in Danville, in response to odor complaints made by
nearby residents. The Illinois EPA inspector also collected samples of
water in ditches that were the source of the odor complaints, and sent
them to an Illinois EPA laboratory for analysis. In response to the concerns
of nearby residents, Rep. Bill Black of Danville requested Illinois EPA
participate in a public meeting to answer citizen questions. The meeting
was scheduled for June 23, 2010.
What happened?
The Illinois EPA believes that a manufacturer of animal feeds (Double
S Liquid Feed Service, Inc.) discharged molasses and fatty acids into a
ditch along the CSX railroad line. These materials are delivered to the
Double S facility by rail. After being spilled they were washed by rainwater
into the ditches where they began to and now continue to decompose. That
decomposition process, though not directly harmful to human health, does
produce a very foul odor.
How does Illinois EPA know this?
Illinois EPA Champaign Regional field inspectors have visited the site
in June on numerous occasions since the initial complaint. The Agency has
inspected the ditches and the source of the contaminants, and evaluated
the sample results available to date. Those results indicate that the materials
are not a chemical hazard to humans. The results are consistent with the
decomposition of molasses and fatty acids, the source of the foul odors.
We expect to receive additional results in the coming weeks for oil and
grease and phosphorus but do not anticipate a change in our assessment
of the waters in the ditches or on their health effects based on those
chemical constituents.
What are “fatty acids”?
Fatty acids are acids produced when fats are broken down. These acids
are not highly soluble in water, and they can be used for energy by most
types of animal cells. They are composed of carbon and hydrogen.
What is the Illinois EPA doing to correct this situation?
Even though the materials in the ditches are not a chemical threat, the
odors caused by their decomposition are not acceptable because there are
many people living nearby whose lives are disrupted by the situation. Illinois
EPA field inspectors have been in frequent contact with the parties that
are apparently responsible for the release in an effort to get the materials
removed as quickly as possible. In addition, on June 17, 2010, the Agency
issued Violation Notices to Double S, CSX and, as the local government
body with jurisdiction over the city’s stormwater management, the
City of Danville. This will not delay the cleanup but will document the
apparent violations, as well as lay the groundwork for a schedule for resolution
of the problems.
We have also asked the City of Danville to intervene in this matter. In
a letter dated June 16, the City issued a notification to CSX in an effort
to speed the cleanup.
Who will clean this up and when?
Double S has done considerable cleanup in the ditch adjacent to their
facility, east of Griffin Street. They also have installed a sump to collect
the liquid from the rail siding and pump it into their facility for processing.
CSX is also monitoring the situation and is negotiating a cleanup strategy
with the Double S for the ditch west of Griffin Street.
How much was spilled?
We believe there was only incidental spillage of product from Double S.
Information we have also indicates there have been similar issues in the
past.
Is the railroad responsible too?
Yes, they own the property and are therefore are responsible for it. The
Agency will continue to work with CSX to assure that all areas affected
are cleaned up. This includes removal of large numbers of plastic bottles
littering the track area and some railroad ties that are in the ditches.
What about the drain pipe that runs along the railroad right of way? Channel
3 has shown video of that leaking pipe.
Illinois EPA has no confirmation that a drain pipe exists along or into
the right-of-way. There is no evidence that a broken pipe spilled any product
from Double S into the ditch or railroad right-of-way. The Channel 3 video
showed a pipe that was releasing condensed steam. Since that time the boiler
has been shut down and the pipe depressurized for repair.
Where does the ditch ultimately drain?
There is very little slope to the ditch, and the water is largely stagnant.
None of the released material is believed to have left the railroad property.
Why is there no barrier at Double S to prevent spilled materials from
entering the environment?
This is one of several apparent violations at the Double S facility that
the Illinois EPA has discussed with the facility owners and managers there.
The Violation Notice for Double S includes this issue and other issues
that will be addressed through the enforcement process.
For more information from Illinois EPA, contact:
Stan Black Community Relations Coord
Office of Community Relations
Illinois EPA
P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
(217) 785-1427
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