Gibson County LEPC approves $412 reimbursement after Duke Energy transformer fire response

The Gibson County Local Emergency Planning Committee voted to reimburse Owensville Fire Department $412.17 for decontamination supplies used in response to a transformer fire at a Duke Energy site, committee members said during their meeting.

At the meeting, an LEPC member described the transformer incident, saying responders found a large transformer that ‘‘dumped 18,000 gallons of oil’’ into a containment area and that crews used foam to control the blaze. ‘‘We ended up using about 300 gallons of foam on it and then sat out there for two days to make sure that it didn't get away,’’ the member said. Oil samples were sent to Indianapolis for analysis; the sample returned about 4.5 parts per million of PCBs, which speakers noted is below the 50 parts-per-million threshold discussed in the meeting.

The committee approved payment for a $412.17 invoice for decontamination supplies, including soap, scrub brushes and tarps. The reimbursement was described as being payable from LEPC funds. The motion carried by voice vote.

Committee members also described responder safety steps taken at the scene. ‘‘We decon’d the trucks and even threw some of the helmets away because it splashed up on them,’’ a responder said, and members confirmed some personnel required rest after prolonged operations.

The LEPC recorded the incident as part of routine post-incident expense approvals and noted that regional HAZMAT resources—including Evansville and Vincennes-area teams—are available to assist on large events.

The committee listed the reimbursement as approved; no additional related motions were recorded at the meeting.