Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

Delta Western is moving forward with cleanup from the May 29 diesel leak at its tank farm in Haines.

The leak occurred around noon when 750 gallons of diesel were released into a secondary containment area and some of the fuel escaped. Delta Western notified the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the same day. The company developed a DEC-approved cleanup plan with assistance from consulting group Environmental Management Inc.

DEC Southeast region unit supervisor Dave Pikul said the plan involves collection of diesel using sorbents, materials designed to absorb liquids, and excavation of contaminated soil.

Cleanup is required under state laws prohibiting the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into the land, air and waters of Alaska.

Spills like Delta Western’s are fairly common, Pikul said. “Fortunately this release was detected early by Delta Western personnel. Delta Western notified DEC promptly in accordance with their facility contingency plan. And response actions were taken quickly, which may have resulted in mitigating a larger release.”

Pikul said the cleanup is ongoing and the department receives daily progress reports.

The tank that failed had been due for inspection in October, borough clerk and interim manager Alekka Fullerton said in a report to the assembly. In response, Delta Western shortened the timeline for future tank inspections from 10 to five years.

Pikul said DEC will work with the company on a set of recommendations to reduce the likelihood of a future spill.