Video: Police investigate diesel dumped into Black River

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=12960328                                # # # #  Police  investigate diesel dumped into Black River  •  Springfield, Vermont - August 11, 2010  •  Clean-up continues in the Black River after what authorities believe was an intentional dumping of diesel fuel.  •  David Hills of Black River Produce shows the diesel pump located behind the Springfield business that was turned on. During the early morning hours Sunday, someone removed both handles from the pump, placed them on the pavement, and locked them in the on position-- spewing thousands of gallons of fuel onto the driveway and eventually into a nearby drain that feeds into the Black River.  •  A passing bike rider eventually noticed the spraying fuel, turned off the pumps, and then called police. The entire incident was caught on tape by the company's surveillance camera.  •  "We see from the video tape with authorities this person obviously knew what he was doing, was angry, and purposeful in his intent," Hills said.  •  The produce company is located directly across the street from the Black River. Local, state and federal officials immediately began work to clean the fuel from the river, which was visibly floating on the surface of the water. Officials say most of the oil was captured by booms laid across the river.  •  "It still affects the whole community when there is an environmental terrorism act such as this," Hills said.  •  "It's not an accident," Springfield Police Chief Doug Johnson said. "They believe the place was broken into and the pumps were turned on, so we are looking into it and suspect it will be a criminal act."  •  A criminal who owners of the business believe may be harboring a huge grudge against Black River Produce-- one that has left a lasting impact. In all, officials say about 4,500 gallons of diesel fuel were released into the environment.  •  "I think it is stupid," said Glen Whitten of Springfield. "It makes absolutely no sense to do that type of thing. It's really a crime against the community."  •  Police are continuing to investigate and a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.  •  Adam Sullivan - WCAX News  •