Illicit discharge in Walnut Creek removed, investigation continues

CONCORD, CA (May 21, 2022) — In early May, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District received reports of a potentially illicit discharge into the Walnut Creek Channel.

On Thursday, May 19, the District removed the discharge. The discharge was located north of Civic Park in the City of Walnut Creek, near Civic Drive and Arroyo Way.

The District coordinated their efforts with Kinder Morgan and Central Contra Costa Sanitary District who have facilities in the area.

Last year, Kinder Morgan settled two charges after a gasoline spill in Walnut Creek in 2020. A subsurface pipeline crack leaked 63,000 gallons of gasoline, into the drainage canal. Much of it ended up in the soil and rocks around South Broadway Ave. That amount of gasoline could fill seven large gasoline tanker trucks. The pipeline leaked for two weeks before employees noticed it.

Kinder Morgan has conducted their own tests to exclude their facilities as the source of the discharge. The District will continue to monitor this area for any re-occurrence.