
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 26, 1990                   TAG: 9006260294
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: FREDERICKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

CONSULTANTS DOWNPLAY KEROSENE'S RIVER IMPACT

Kerosene that spilled in a tributary of the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers last December appears to have damaged the environment only in upstream areas, according to an initial study.

An interim report prepared by consultants cites declines in some fish populations near the spot in Orange County where the Dec. 18 pipeline break occurred. It also reports finding petroleum in a test well and contaminated soils in the same area.

The report was prepared by consultants hired by Colonial Pipeline Co., the line's owners.

The 212,000-gallon spill was initially contained to Mine Run, but heavy rains on New Year's Eve overwhelmed containment devices.

by CNB