First story

Oil spill devastates Fairfax County

An oil spill in the Potomac River resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency for Fairfax County, last night. 100,000 gallons of oil leaked into the Potomac River after a damaged pipe line cracked.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Coast Guard are attempting to clear the area of the oil with the help of local fire and rescue departments.

Colonial Pipeline Inc. has recovered 237,000 gallons of the oily water, says a spokesman for the Atlanta-based company.

Warnings for residents

Residents of the area are being cautioned not to engage in activities near the river including boating, fishing and jogging until the cleanup is complete. Children and pregnant women are also being warned that the oil fumes could be dangerous for their health.

Water pressure is also expected to drop for the region until the Fairfax water Authority reopens the plant. Residents are being asked to reduce their water use.

Total costs

In addition to the expected monetary cost for this disaster, an estimated one million dollars, plants and animals in the area are also paying the price. Nine animals have died and 44 were injured as a result of the spill, according to county animal wardens.

Some of the animals that have suffered from the spill include ducks, geese, otters, beavers and fish.

Who is to blame?

Officials ruled the cause of the spill to be pipeline damage. The cracks and dents were caused by a construction crew which hit the pipeline a few years ago.

*disclaimer: this story is just a sample and is not intended to be current news.