Agencies
Services
Long Run Seep Nature Preserve - West Shore Pipeline
On March 25, 1999, West Shore Pipeline (West Shore) released 15,000 gallons of fuel oil at their Bell Station facility in Lemont, Illinois; 750 gallons of the released oil migrated off-site into an adjacent wetland. This resulted in soil, surface water, and groundwater contamination, and adversely affected or threatened to adversely impact flora, fauna, wildlife, and aquatic life. Approximately half of the wetland appeared to be affected by the release. The release was identified with the presence of blackened, stained vegetation, and a floating film visible on the water's surface.
An NRDA claim was made by the Illinois Natural Resource Trustees for the purpose of estimating injury amounts and planning for restoration. An NRDA settlement was agreed upon by all the parties. The matter was settled in September of 2002.
In 2007 the Illinois Natural Resource Trustees finalized a Restoration Plan describing how the funds would be utilized, and in 2008 the project was implemented. The project included the control of invasive vegetation in a nearby nature preserve. Active management such as invasive woody species control is necessary to provide adequate habitat for the native flora and fauna; similar resources as those impacted by the release.
A summary of the project was drafted in 2015. According to a site biologist, the invasive species removal funded by the NRDA program was a big contributor to improving the habitat. Therefore, the project is considered a success. The site has a management and monitoring plan, which will ensure long term habitat protection for area wildlife.
Documents - Monitoring
Documents - Restoration
Documents - Settlement
