Wyoming County, WV (WOAY) The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is overseeing ongoing response and cleanup efforts following a mineral oil release from an Appalachian Power substation in Wyoming County.
The incident was initially reported by the company as a transformer failure, with photo documentation provided to state officials shortly after it was discovered.
Because the release impacted state waters, WVDEP issued a unilateral order requiring Appalachian Power to conduct cleanup and remediation, as mandated under the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act.
At the substation, a collection trench has been installed to prevent any further release into the watershed.
Downstream, crews constructed underflow dams in Reedy Branch and deployed containment booms throughout Clear Fork, the Guyandotte River, and at the inlet of R.D. Bailey Lake.
Some material entered Clear Fork before all containment measures were in place. Localized pockets remain visible near the Toler Farm Bridge area, where additional recovery resources have been deployed. Crews are also working to remove material trapped in ice and debris ahead of expected thawing conditions.
So far, WVDEP has not observed sheen or contamination beyond Clear Fork.
No impacts to aquatic life or downstream water intakes have been detected or are anticipated.
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