EAST PALESTINE - The East Palestine Fire Department says there is no immediate health risk for residents following a diesel spill in Sulphur Run on Wednesday.

According to a press release from the East Palestine Fire Department, firefighters were called around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a possible diesel fuel spill into Sulphur Run.

Investigation revealed the fuel entered the creek from a drainage pipe coming from the parking lot of the Brave Industries property. It was determined that the fuel most likely spilled from a generator and a diesel holding tank on the property. 

This determination will be finalized after a thorough investigation. According to the release, the generator and holding tank are operated by Norfolk Southern and its contractors.

It was determined that the spill was 25 gallons or less of diesel fuel.

Both the Ohio and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the East Liverpool Fire Department and HAZMAT Teams responded to assist.

Norfolk Southern was also requested to respond.

Absorbent booms were placed in the creek near the intersection of Sumner Street and Alice Street. That decision was made based on the assessment of the Sulphur Run trail from Leslie Run through the confluence of Leslie Run and Sulphur Run and along Sulphur Run to the point of origin.

More booms and pads were also placed in various other places throughout the creek. No fuel was detected past the intersection of Sumner and Alice Street.

A post from the Village of East Palestine's Facebook page says that crews with the Ohio EPA and contractors would be on site for a cleanup effort.

A 21 News crew member said they could see several vehicles gathered on East Martin Street.

The East Palestine Fire Department told 21 News they were investigating the matter around 5 p.m. Since then, they said the Ohio EPA has been leading the investigation.

Looking ahead, remediation will consist of soil removal at the initial spill site, absorbent boom and pad placement throughout the spill site and absorbent boom and pad placement in storm drains at the site.

These containment methods will remain in place until the EPA determines that it is safe to remove them.

The fire department says the spill does not pose a health risk to residents. 

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.