Trending
WINTERSVILLE -- On Thursday, Mayor Mike Petrella updated Wintersville Council on cleanup efforts following the discovery Wednesday that automotive fluids had been illegally dumped down a culvert at the Walnut Street Park.
Petrella said it's been estimated that more than 100 gallons of motor oil, diesel and a third substance believed to be kerosene were poured into the drainage system, leading him and others to call in Environmental Remediation Contractors, a Columbus-based environmental cleanup firm.
He said the firm worked from about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday to 6:15 a.m. Thursday, using a vacume to suck the contaminated water into a large container currently blocking access to the park from Short Street.
He said weeds along the water also were removed, while booms were left in the water's path to absorb any additional foreign fluid.
Petrella said it's safe for children to use the park though parents should ensure they stay away from the water.
The mayor said crews will return to perform ditching and take other steps to ensure there are no other contaminants.
He said thus far the village is facing nearly $20,000 for the cleanup, while the cost to dispose of the contaminated water hasn't been determined.
Petrella said a parent of children playing at the park observed a sheen on the water and reported it.
He, Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi, Water Superintendent Ted Chuich and the Wintersville Fire Department were among those called to the scene.
Petrella said local law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, and anyone with information is encouraged to call Wintersville Police at (740) 264-5507.
Councilman Jason Mattern said it was "very frustrating and disappointing" to hear of someone dumping such fluids in a local park when there are places it could be taken for proper disposal or recycling.
He asked if the village will receive a complete analysis of the contaminants and was told it will.
In other business:
• Petrella announced the village's spring cleanup will be held on the first Monday of each week in June.
The following items won't be accepted: Tires, computers, televisions and other electronics; household batteries, food waste and other normal household waste, leaves or grass clippings, construction materials, demolition debris, mattresses or box springs, paint, liquids, hazardous waste, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators or other items containing freon.
It was noted tires may be brought to the Cross Creek Township Garage from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 through a collection supported by the JB Green Team.
In related business, Kosegi said residents are asked not to place loose trash in their cans because it makes more work for the village's sanitation crews and leaves an odor.
He added because the crews must lift the refuse themselves, bagged trash should not be too heavy.
"I just don't want our crews to be injured," Kosegi explained.
• Kosegi said village crews continue to install the new radio-read water meters, with about 270 remaining for residential customers, and 35 to 50 larger ones needed for businesses ordered.
Because many of the old meters are inside homes, residents who haven't received the new ones are asked to set up an appointment for installation by calling (740) 264-7171 or e-mailing waterclerk1@wintersvilleoh.us or waterclerk2@wintersvilleoh.us.
Kosegi added he also will be using the village's new Facebook page to message such customers in an effort to bring the project to a close.
• Kosegi advised the village has been awarded a $5,000 grant by the JB Green Team that will be used to purchase eight trash cans that will match benches that have been placed around the village.