Atlanta Environmental Management, Inc., (AEM) performed emergency corrective action for No. 2 fuel oil-contaminated soil and free liquids in an area adjacent to a 400,000-gallon above-ground No. 2 fuel oil storage tank. During a three-day period in February 2000, AEM was responsible for the immediate development of the corrective action plan and implementation of the cleanup of contaminated soil and free liquids at the site. The tank is located approximately 100 feet from a major coastal waterway.

The fuel oil tank is located within an earthen secondary containment diking area covered with an impermeable synthetic liner. A drainage pipe equipped with a valve was used to release storm water that collects inside the containment area. Subsequent to a heavy rain, the facility's staff noted a release of fuel oil caused by the valve that apparently clogged and released rainwater mixed with oil. It was critical that the contamination be removed as quickly as possible, due to the proximity to the Savannah River.

AEM immediately implemented corrective action to address the oil release. The corrective action included the 1) excavation of visibly contaminated soil, 2) removal of free-floating fuel oil on the standing water in the drainage ditch, 3) proper off-site transport and disposal of the excavated soil as a special waste, 4) re-grading the excavated area with clean fill, and 5) re-vegetation of the area using native flora. AEM documented the sealing of the stormwater release pipe so that any future storm water that collects in the containment will be manually pumped from the containment area for disposal or treatment.

AEM successfully achieved all goals regarding the emergency response activities to the fuel oil spill. The stormwater release pipe was repaired to prevent future releases from the fuel oil containment area. The contaminated soil and free liquid fuel oil were removed from the release area. Due to the expedient cleanup, the adjacent area was not impacted by the fuel oil release. The removal of the contaminated soil and free liquids also eliminated the possibility of gradual subsurface migration of fuel oil contaminants in the critical area near the river.