March 15, 2007
Oil tank on Flea Island
Jacob Powell has identified a large abandoned oil tank on Flea Island.† He’s asking the community†to†bring†it to the City’s attention, so that†cleanup of the site can be†scheduled.†
From Jacob:†There is†a petroleum tank on Flea Island. It is old, rusted and rather large. It used to contain petroleum, and to a certain extent still does. It is mostly empty but the area smells and it is a hazard. I have recently contacted Councilman Brian Moore about the issue and he has forwarded the information to the City Manager, David Canada. I have no reason to believe that the city will not be responsive. However, it would greatly expedite the process,†I think, if more people would call their Council representative or David Canada. This would show that we are all concerned with it. The city has been cooperative, so please just let them know that you know about it and are concerned.
Contact information on the City Council
http://www.petersburg-va.org/council/members.htm
733-2301 CITY MANAGER
733-2323 CLERK OF COUNCIL
Pictures of the tank: http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h247/takezos5/Flea%20Island%20Tank/
The tank measures 7ft in diameter and 19.83ft long. I believe it is a 5500 gallon tank. There are two small holes in it.
I got to talk to Jacob about this and found out that Flea Island is just about across from the old cargo train station in the river. I thought it was the large island between the diversion channel and the old river bed. Just thought I’d post this in case others also didn’t know where it was.
I’m going to make a few phone calls on Monday as he suggests
Re: location — I need a visual. On the map below, is Flea Island the small island that is behind the antique stores at Old and Sycamore?
†
Flea island is a diamond in the rough. Jacob’s comments are spot-on and are part of a larger effort to clean up the “entire” island. Keep in mind, the site can be pleasing to the eye…but also has historical integrity.