Residents in Effingham County were shocked when they learned that not one, but two oil spills took place in as many days.
On Oct 5, a 100-gallon diesel tank spilled on Midland and Courthouse Road. A similar incident occurred Oct. 7 where an oil spill caused Little McCall Road to be shut down.
“Our greatest concern was not only pollution but possible toxic chemicals being released into our ecosystem,” said Effingham County resident Catherine Pierre. “Why can’t we find the report of the oil spill that happened just a few short days later? All that being said, no updates or specifics were provided to the public.”
According to the Environmental Protection Division, the only complaint received of the two incidents was the oil spill on Oct. 5. There is no record of the oil spill that took place Oct. 7 in the public database.
“Contact was made with the Effingham EMA who stated that public works cleaned up the spill with absorbent and a street sweeper,” said Sara Lips, director of communications and community engagement for EPD. “The diesel was contained to the roadways and therefore cleanup was not needed in waterways or in soils.”