According to Tampa Bay Online, the ruptured pipe that spilled jet fuel into Mango creek has finally been repaired. Now comes the time to ask just how much it will take to clean up spilled 31,000 gallons of jet fuel and what sort of damage will Mango Creek continue to experience due to the spill?
Crews repairing the ruptured pipe completed their work late Monday night and successfully tested the line the next morning. The leak was discovered Friday, and environmental officials were concerned that thousands of gallons had leaked into the Mango Channel, which connects to the Tampa Bypass Canal and leads to McKay Bay. Workers attempted a temporary fix by placing a sleeve over the leaking portion of the 10-inch-wide pipe.
The U.S. Department of Transportation authorized the resumption of the flow of fuel after permanent repairs were made, and officials said the likelihood of any fuel reaching the bay was minimal.
The expensive and dangerous clean-up efforts continue, according to Hillsborough County Emergency Operations. Workers will place booms to help prevent the remaining fuel in the water from reaching the bypass canal and environmental officials will continue to monitor air and water for any pollutants or contamination. So far, officials report, that no fuel has been found in the bypass canal and air quality remains within acceptable limits.
It is unclear how much it will cost to test nearby residential areas, water and wells for contamination. The cost of cleanup could be in millions of dollars, especially if wildlife, sea life or humans may come in contact with effects of spilled fuel.
An Orlando injury lawyer can provide guidance if your property along the Mango Creek area has been damaged due to the jet-fuel spill.
Comments for this article are closed.