2 Transformer Leaks Threaten W.Va. Waters

On Jan. 13, the East Lynne substation in Wayne County was vandalized, leaking approximately 5,000 gallons of transformer oil into the town of Wayne’s water supply. 

Residents have been under a Do Not Consume order since Jan. 16 and it has not been lifted yet. No oil is showing up in lab tests throughout the Wayne Water system. Residents are using bottled water and shower trailers brought in to help. 

On Jan. 30 another spill at an Appalachian Power substation in the Clear Fork area of Wyoming County released between 10,000 and 12,000 gallons of transformer oil. Most of the oil was contained, but some did leak into the nearby stream. There was no evidence that the oil reached the inlet to R.D. Bailey Lake. 

Both leaks are under investigation.