On the Waterfront

Fuel Leak at Delegal Marina

As previously reported, on the morning of June 13th Chatham Emergency Services was notified by a resident out exercising of a strong smell of fuel near the Delegal Creek Marina fixed pier. Chatham Emergency Services crews responded to the area and confirmed the smell and noticed what appeared to be gasoline in the marsh near the fixed pier approximately 20’ from the land. Staff immediately closed the valves for the fuel lines under the fixed pier and shut the power off. Staff notified both the Coast Guard and GAEPD to report the spill.

Staff then began installing oil booms into the marsh around the area to prevent any fuel from moving from the site. They also began using oil absorbent pads to clean up any visible sheen located in the marsh. In addition, Heapco, an Oil Response Contractor was contacted to assist in the cleanup effort. Central Industries, our service provider, was contacted to evaluate our fuel lines under the fixed pier.

The Coast Guard spill control team and a representative from Heapco arrived mid-morning to inspect the area. They both confirmed staff did a thorough job cleaning the marsh area with no visible fuel seen in the mud. They cleared the scene after completing their inspection.

Central Industries ultimately discovered a gasoline leak in the manhole on land (where the shut off valves are located). Central successfully completed the repair on Monday but came back on Tuesday to discover a slight psi drop in the line. Further testing and diagnosis were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as preventative maintenance items. Central Industries has given the okay for staff to pump fuel, as they have not discovered any additional leaks. A full line tightness test will be conducted on Monday morning. There is only one person in Savannah who can conduct this test and he is not available until Monday morning. In the meantime, staff will take extra precautions, which include monitoring sheets and shutting the manual fuel valves on the land side at the end of each day.