The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority is taking extra precautions at one water treatment plant after a fuel leak was discovered Thursday afternoon on a floating barge transporting logs across the Ragged Mountain Reservoir.
“Less than a gallon of fuel leaked from the vessel,” reads an information release sent this morning. “The spill was safely contained through the use of an oil absorbent boom.”
That has prompted RWSA to add powdered activated carbon to the process used at the Observatory Water Treatment Plant. The release notes that staff are also monitoring for any abnormalities or unexpected odors.
The gas-powered barge is being used to transport trees that have been cut down to make way for an expanded pool at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. That’s one of two components of the Community Water Supply Plan currently underway.
According to a pollution report filed with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the barge sank.
“Caller reported that a barge used for private construction was sunk due to vandalism that is carrying 5-10 gallons gasoline,” reads the report. “There is no visible sheen or odor. Fire department is currently enroute. Caller is requesting for [Virginia State Police] dive team to assist. The sinking occurred overnight.”
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This post was made on August 6, 2026 and has been back-dated.
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