Nottoway spill

Belive me this is not the first spill by Hercules. Just two weeks before the famous bash on the Nottoway last year there was a fish kill from a spill I was told. Back in the late 80's early 90's I did alot of work inside the plant as a Contractor and I can tell you this for a spill to get into the river it is not an easy thing. The plant is very aware of the problem and has many safe guards in place but accidents happen. All the process areas have concrete slabs underneath them with U drains. These slabs (most) have walls around them as containment dikes. They are there incase of a spill to contain that which is leaked out. The problem is when it rains stormwater also is gathered into these containment areas and valves and gates must be open to allow the water to be released and it is this stormwater which is released into the river. It is my guess that stormwater was released and a valve not closed after this was done. Then came a spill and it took 15 minutes to realize a valve was open in the system then it was closed. Just an accident but one which could have strong effects on nature. Just my guess.

AC

Exactly, it's a runoff issue. Somehow they need regulations and a system to filter the runoff before is goes into the river. Not a straight pipe system where valves are the safety catch!

It's just a shame. Our waters hurt enough as it is and then we hear about something like this. :mad:

(Stepping off the soapbox now)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Clayton

Belive me this is not the first spill by Hercules. Just two weeks before the famous bash on the Nottoway last year there was a fish kill from a spill I was told. Back in the late 80's early 90's I did alot of work inside the plant as a Contractor and I can tell you this for a spill to get into the river it is not an easy thing. The plant is very aware of the problem and has many safe guards in place but accidents happen. All the process areas have concrete slabs underneath them with U drains. These slabs (most) have walls around them as containment dikes. They are there incase of a spill to contain that which is leaked out. The problem is when it rains stormwater also is gathered into these containment areas and valves and gates must be open to allow the water to be released and it is this stormwater which is released into the river. It is my guess that stormwater was released and a valve not closed after this was done. Then came a spill and it took 15 minutes to realize a valve was open in the system then it was closed. Just an accident but one which could have strong effects on nature. Just my guess.

AC

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Andy, I love ya dude, but I gotta say the timing of your report of a spill last year is a little late:confused:
But it does explain a couple of things:
1)- Why I didn't win the bash
2)- Why we haven't heard from Grinneltrashus in a while; He probably ate the fish:eek: