Eagle with Stars and Stripes
Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854

Minor Oil Leak Contained After Spill On Lake

Posted

City and state officials worked to control a minor oil leak on Winona Lake Tuesday night.

The leak came from a hydraulic pump being used by the city of Warsaw in a sewer extension project.

The pump was being used to reduce the ground water level, and a coupling developed a leak that sent about a quart of oil streaming in with water being pumped into a nearby storm sewer drain, said Warsaw's public works superintendent Kim Leake.

The pump was shut off after workers realized its oil was spilling into the lake from a nearby storm sewer drain.

The accident occurred shortly after nightfall near the intersection of Kelly Street and Country Club Drive. The intersection is about 150 feet from the lake's edge.

The Kosciusko County HazMat squad provided equipment to soak up the oil. The city also attempted to vacuum water off the surface of the lake. Protective equipment was left overnight around the opening of the storm sewer in case more oil remained in the drain, Leake said.

City officials contacted the Department of Natural Resources soon after the incident.

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he did not believe there was any environmental damage as a result of the leak.