Oil spill closes recreation area in Laurel, causes clean up in T. Howard Duckett Reservoir

On July 8, WSSC Water responded around 6 p.m. to the Supplee Lane Recreation Area, near 16904 Supplee Lane. As a result of the spill, the Supplee Lane Recreation Area closed.

The spill came after a storm knocked down a tree that struck a BGE transformer at the recreation area. The damage caused the transformer to release an oil substance that spilled into the parking lot and flowed into the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir.

Crews were notified, and an emergency response began to contain the spill. Water quality is being monitored as a precaution, with treatment modifications being made at the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant.

Officials emphasized that drinking water was not impacted and remains safe to drink.