Coffeyville, Kansas Oil Spill

On June 28, 2007, during an already catastrophic flood, at least 71,000 gallons of oil was allowed to escape from the Coffeyville Resources Refinery into the town of Coffeyville, Kansas. Refinery officials said that the oil spill occurred when the company was attempting to shut down the plant and evacuate before the flood reached the refinery. A pump apparently malfunctioned and allowed oil to continue flowing to the refinery’s main storage tank until it overflowed. The problem went unnoticed for some time, and allowed a huge amount of oil to escape.

After the oil spill, witnesses reported that a thick oily muck covered just about everything in the town, and described a foul, acrid stench that lingered in the air for days. Even after the flood waters receded, residents were unable to survey the damage to their homes, as it was far too risky to allow anyone contact with the contaminated town. Just days after the spill, local health officials were reporting cases of skin rashes, diarrhea and numerous respiratory ailments among rescue workers and other first responders to the spill.

The oil slick traveled down the Verdigris River and into Oklahoma, coming precariously close to Oologah Lake. Both the river and lake are popular boating and fishing spots, and between them, they provide water for nine municipalities in Kansas and Oklahoma.