Local News in Brief : Transformers Fall, Oil Enters Storm Channel
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on Wednesday cleaned up transformer oil that spilled into a storm channel after two transformers dropped to the ground in a Northridge neighborhood early that morning.
The oil, which flowed several miles toward the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin, did not contain PCB, a carcinogenic chemical used in some transformers as an insulating and cooling fluid, DWP spokesman Ed Gladbach said. From 30 to 100 gallons may have reached the channel, he said.
The transformers fell in the 19200 block of Prairie Street about 1:30 a.m., according to one resident.
The resident, who declined to be identified, said her daughter heard a “thud” followed by the barking of neighborhood dogs. The resident said she called the DWP after spotting the transformers on the ground below the power pole about 7:20 a.m.
Workers spread floating booms across the flood control channel in an attempt to contain the oil. On Prairie, workers wearing gloves and rubber boots spread an absorbent material similar to cat litter to soak up the oil, which flowed on the surface of sprinkler runoff.
Gladbach said DWP workers were to return to the channel today to clean up any remaining oil.
The transformers fell at the end of the block near Tampa Avenue, across from Northridge Fashion Center.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
