WVDEP's In-Stream Sampling Summary
These samples were taken in response to the ongoing remediation of the Twelvepole Creek watershed in Wayne County, following a
release of transformer oil due to a vandalized substation in the East Lynn area. All samples were collected by WVDEP
and/or U.S. EPA personnel and analyzed by ALS Global’s laboratory in Michigan.
The samples were taken in areas where released material has been visible, so it is expected that petroleum-related substances
would be detected. The samples were analyzed for general petroleum indicators commonly used to understand the presence of
oil-based materials in surface waters. A more tailored sampling method for transformer oil became available recently.
Additional results and sampling reports will be added as they are received from the certified lab.
The purpose of this stream sampling is not to evaluate drinking water, but to establish baseline conditions within affected
waterways so WVDEP can confirm, through follow-up sampling, that oil-related material is decreasing and has been removed
as cleanup progresses. This sampling will continue as necessary.
Note: Weather conditions on Sunday, January 25, 2026 and Monday, January 26, 2026 prevented representative
sampling from taking place.