Yes. Illinois EPA collected samples right away for both the Niantic and the Harristown water supplies, which are supplied by wells located west of the Buckeye site. No gasoline-type chemicals were found in either water supply initially, and continued monitoring of the wells continues to show no impact.

Additionally, Illinois EPA required that Buckeye sample along the distribution line for the Harristown Public Water Supply. Results from soil and water tests show no impact to the distribution line.

Gasoline contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are considered to be toxic. Many VOCs, when inhaled, cause headache and nausea. In addition, benzene is a known human carcinogen. At this point, however, Illinois EPA does not believe there is a route of exposure for the general population to the vapors or gasoline from the spill.

The private wells closest to the spill area have consistently tested negative for gasoline-related chemicals. The wells have been tested more than ten times since the spill occurred, and they will continue to be monitored until contamination at the site is cleaned up.

Buckeye hired a consultant that is cleaning up spilled product and stained soils around a field tile that transported some of the product away from the site toward the southwest. The consultant has also constructed an interceptor trench at the south of the facility where it captures product floating on the groundwater before it leaves the site. The water is treated to remove hydrocarbon product and then is reintroduced to the bermed areas on-site to effectively flush more product from contaminated soils. A building is being constructed now to house the treatment system during the winter months.

Approximately 123,000 gallons of the spilled gasoline have been recovered from the interceptor trench. The estimated spill was 150,000 gallons. However, some of the recovered product may be from old spills under the site.

There are elevated levels of chemicals found in gasoline in both the groundwater and soils at the site. Cleanup activities are needed to remove chemicals from soils to stop contribution to the groundwater. Some further investigation is necessary before a work can plan be developed for a comprehensive cleanup.

Yes. Once a thorough investigation of the areas of contamination is complete – hopefully by spring 2007 - Illinois EPA will require a clean up action for site soils. Sampling results after the cleanup will need to show that appropriate cleanup values for the site contaminants are met for all areas where gasoline has affected surface water, ground water or soil.