Charles City County leaders to address petroleum release

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Charles City County leaders will host two meetings Tuesday to address the Adkins Store petroleum release.

Representatives from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will also be in attendance and are currently working along with county officials and contractors to clean up the leak and address potential health concerns.

The Commonwealth’s DEQ posted a release titled, ‘Adkins Store Petroleum Release’ detailing more information regarding the incident.

How was the leak discovered?

The department said it was notified anonymously of a possible release and fuel vapors in the water supply well.

The total volume of the leak is unknown but the department has said between June 18 and July 9, of 2024, over 3,000 gallons of fuel and water mixture were removed from the petroleum tank basin and continued to be removed from the site observation site as needed.

Were drinking water wells impacted?

Petroleum is said to have been detected in the supply well that serves the gas station, according to the DEQ.

As of July, 8, the department said all drinking water levels located within 1,000 feet from the station and been sampled and none have shown petroleum contamination.

What are potential health risks?

Short-term exposure to the gasoline can cause upset stomach (nausea and/or vomiting), and irritation of the eye, nose, throat and skin.

High exposure is said to result in tiredness, dizziness, headache and loss of coordination.

Chronic exposures can give way to toxic effects to the kidneys, liver and blood systems.

Long-term exposure experienced daily can lead to leukemia and cancers of the blood-forming organs.

What should I do if I find out I’ve been drinking potentially contaminated water?

Those at risk of potentially drinking contaminated water are advised to seek medical care and contact the Chickahominy Health District Reach Line at 804-365-3240.

More details of well sampling and costs can be found here .

The cause of the leak remains under investigation.

The two meetings will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16 in the auditorium of the Charles City County Administration building and at 6 p.m. at the Social Center.

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