01/08/2025

ABOUT 7,500 LITERS OF DIESEL SPILLED INTO THE BALTIMORE RIVER, US

An oil spill in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 4 turned parts of the Inner Harbor red and prompted cleanup efforts to be underway.


The fuel spilled from diesel tanks belonging to a supplier to Johns Hopkins Hospital. According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, the leak caused about 7,500 liters of diesel to flow into the stormwater system, flowing into the water source in Fells Point, a residential area in Baltimore. The lingering odor of fuel in the water.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said on the afternoon of June 5 (local time) that cleanup efforts were progressing and the water was no longer tinged red.

Johns Hopkins Hospital said in a statement that it is fully committed to covering the costs of cleaning up and remediation at the Inner Harbor, including treating local wildlife affected by the spill. A representative for Johns Hopkins Hospital added that they are reviewing how the tanks spilled fuel into the harbor.

Maryland officials confirmed that 60.40 liters of the oil-water mixture have been recovered so far. Four companies are working with local, state, and federal partners to contain and remove the spill.

On the morning of June 5, Maryland Governor Wes Moore said 10 city and state agencies were deployed to clean up the spill and minimize any environmental impacts. More than 100 personnel from the US Coast Guard, the city’s Department of Public Works and the city’s Fire Department worked through the night to contain the spill. Crews used absorbent material and skimmers to suck the fuel into pump trucks, and deployed booms throughout the harbor.

There is no evidence that the spill has impacted drinking water in the area, according to Gov. Wes Moore. Officials confirmed that the spill turned the harbor red due to the color of the fuel.

Fire officials said cleanup efforts are expected to continue throughout the day and into the day.

Maryland officials said that while there may be fumes and odors from the fuel in the water, there are no air quality concerns. Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland are taking air samples for testing.

Crews from the Department of Natural Resources responded to protect and monitor wildlife affected by the spill, with the National Aquarium assisting in efforts to keep animals out of the water. There is no concern for turtle populations in the area, according to authorities.

An emergency road closure is in effect in Harbor East, centered near S. Central Avenue and extending from the spill site. Traffic disruptions are expected throughout the day, and police will be on scene to direct traffic. Additional road closures are in effect in parts of East Baltimore, near Johns Hopkins Hospital, Fayette Street, and surrounding streets.


Source: https://vtv.vn/the-gioi/khoang-7500-lit-dau-diesel-tran-ra-song-baltimore-my-20250606165643111.htm


VIETNAM ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENT RESPONSE CENTER 

Address: P203 – A5, Thang Long International Village, Tran Dang Ninh street, Nghia Do ward, Hanoi.

Hotline: 1800 6558 – Email: sos@sosmoitruong.com

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