Day 2: Salt Lake City Oil Spill; Updated Facts and Questions

Fact: Friday evening, time estimated about 10 pm; an underground, Chevron Pipeline began to leak. No monitors or alarms were set off.

Fact: Staff at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center noticed the oil slick on the Red Butte Creek, Saturday morning at 6:45.

Fact: The seal was in place by 7:45 am. Residual oil was being contained.

Fact: 21,00 gallons of crude flowed down the creek into Liberty Park Pond and down to the Jordan River; not 500 gallons as previously cited. Without knowing the exact time of the eruption, the oil spillage should exceed that number.

Fact: At least 150 water fowl were taken to the Hogel Zoo for bathing and rehabilitation. Most were Canadian geese and Mallard Ducks; some as young as one week.

Fact: Many fish were found dead in the creek, pond and Jordan river; floating belly up or washed ashore.

Fact: Residents have been warned about the health risks associated with the oil spill. Any persons exhibiting dizziness, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath; are advised to go to an emergency facility.

Fact: Many residents in the area have experienced loss of fish in home ponds, oil soaked geese, strong odors, and oil soaked lawns.

Fact: Chevron has declared it will take sole responsibility for the spill, the damage to Liberty Park, all financial, medical and environmental costs that occur.

Question: What long term affects does this spill have on the eco system now that it is in the Jordan River; a main tributary through the Metropolitan area? The Jordan River also feeds into the Northern Duck Clubs and water conservatories.

Question: When will the spill be cleaned and deemed safe for Liberty Park Pond, home to many ducks, geese and other water fowl? A major migratory area, the pond is not just a place for those that picnic.

Question: What about are the health risks to the residents of the area? Highly populated, many people have noticed the smell; what are the risks to their vegetation, pets, and themselves.

Question: Why wasn't an alarm set off Friday night to alert officials to the spill? Monitors were in place, why did it take the staff of the VA hospital to notice the spill, thousands of gallons later?

Question: Will there be fines and penalties attached to this catastrophe and to Chevron?

Question: Why would a pipeline follow a major water source?

Answers: We don't know. As for the ecosystem; long term affects of the spill won't be noticed for years or decades. Bottom feeding fish that are food for other fish will be affected first; carrying the oil in their bodies and passing it through the food chain.

Ongoing Questions:

What if the spill is not completely contained and it reaches the Great Salt Lake; the major concern for the city and Chevron?

What long term affects will the people feel from the oil spill? Toxic gasses from petroleum is detrimental to the upper respiratory system and nervous system.

Kudos to the staff at the VA for finding the spill as soon as they did. Thanks to the rescue units, Big D Construction for erecting dams, dikes and absorbent booms. Gratitude to Chevron for taking responsibility and capping the damage as quickly as they did. Heartfelt appreciation to those that saved the water fowl and aid in the clean up.

As for the future of the area; time will only tell.