As mop-up continues at BP Cherry Point refinery, Ecology, EPA responders see no pollution threat to water but air monitoring continues

By Curt Hart, Department of Ecology, Spills Program

Responders from the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have determined that no oil or polluted runoff has reached Washington waters at the BP Cherry Point Refinery near Ferndale.

Ecology and EPA officials were at the refinery to assess and monitor potential environmental problems after a large fire broke out there the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.

Officials found that all water and other materials used to fight the fire – including related runoff – was contained within the refinery, where it will be treated in the facility’s on-site wastewater treatment system.

EPA contractors will continue taking air samples around the perimeter and downwind of the facility to help ensure the safety of nearby residents.

Contacts:
Curt Hart, Ecology Spills program, cell: 360-480-7908
Mark MacIntyre, EPA media relations, cell: 206-369-7999

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