Source of Wells Run Oil Leak Removed

The Maryland Department of the Environment reported that the source of the contamination of Wells Run would be removed Thursday.

Jay Apperson, a spokesman for MDE, said the heating oil tank under the Macy's in The Mall at Prince Georges, which was the source of the oil contamination in the tributary two weeks ago, would not be the cause of contamination in the future.

Apperson said the exact source of the leak was not the tank itself but a crack in the fiberglass return, which was over a storm drain.

"Contaminated soil was also excavated and taken to a center where it can be recycled," he said.

When the tank is removed, Apperson said, the water will be properly disposed. He said although some fuel is still leaking, it is a minimal amount.

After the tank is removed, he added, soil samples would also be taken.

"More assessment may follow, and storm drain monitoring will continue," Apperson said. "Macy's has also said they will be converting to natural gas."