WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aiding in the cleanup of an oil spill that was discovered Thursday afternoon in Whitehouse, Ohio. The spill, which was reported in Swan Creek, has raised concerns, but officials assure the public that there is no immediate threat to health or drinking water.
According to the Whitehouse Fire Department, crews responded to a report of an oil-based sheen in Swan Creek near Finzel Road and Rupp Road. Upon arrival, authorities located the source of the spill near the 10000 block of Waterville Street.
Fire department officials confirmed that containment measures were swiftly put into place to prevent the oil from spreading beyond the Wabash Cannonball Trail ditch where it originated. As a precaution, the Wabash Cannonball Trail, a popular local walking trail, will be closed for several days between the Whitehouse Fire Station and Cemetery Road to facilitate the cleanup process.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the spill or the amount of oil that was released into the creek. In the coming days, additional closures may be necessary as crews work to clean the surrounding groundwater.
The EPA is closely monitoring the situation and assisting local fire departments in their efforts to mitigate any environmental impact. Local officials emphasize that there is no threat to public safety or drinking water at this time, and they are continuing to work on resolving the issue.
Residents are advised to avoid the affected areas and follow any further instructions from local authorities regarding trail closures or safety updates.