Black River Diesel Cleanup Successfully Winding Down

$5000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest and Conviction of Perpetrator.

SPRINGFIELD, VERMONT - In the early morning hours of August 8th, 2010, an unknown person turned on the diesel pumps at the Black River Produce warehouse located on State Route 106 in Springfield VT, and then walked away causing an estimated 4000+ gallons of diesel to be released. The diesel traveled through a culvert and discharged into the Black River.

The release was discovered by a passerby who shut the pumps off and notified authorities. Upon learning of the release Black River Produce immediately hired an environmental clean-up company, Environmental Compliance Services (ECS), who responded to the site of the release and took all necessary steps to re-capture as much diesel as possible from the culvert and the Black River. This included placing booms and absorbent pads as well as using skimming equipment. ECS has estimated that over 2000 gallons of diesel fuel has been recovered to date during the clean-up operation. The entire clean-up has been paid for by Black River Produce.

Once the release was discovered Black River Produce notified the appropriate Federal (Environmental Protection Agency), State (Department of Environmental Conservation) and local authorities (Springfield Fire and Police Departments). Black River Produce has worked cooperatively with authorities on both the clean-up and investigation into the release.

At this point in time the clean-up effort is winding down. ECS and state and federal authorities will continue to monitor the situation and take further action as needed. Black River Produce owners Steve Birge and Mark Curran have pledged to continue the clean-up until the release is fully remediated.

During the clean-up Federal, State and Local investigators have been working to identify the person responsible for the release. In an effort to further their investigation Black River Produce is now offering a $5000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

To provide information, please call the Springfield Police Department at (802) 885-2113.

Press release from Black River Produce
http://www.blackriverproduce.com