WV Division of Environmental Protection

Operational Update on Wyoming County Transformer Mineral Oil Release Response

The West Virginia DEP and Appalachian Power report that containment measures following a transformer mineral oil release at a Wyoming County substation successfully captured escaped material. On February 11, 2026, increased river flow from snowmelt pushed debris and ice downstream, impacting containment structures near the Guyandotte River confluence. Redundant containment systems downstream remain intact and are now serving as primary containment lines. No material has been observed in R.D. Bailey Lake, where multiple containment systems remain active and crews continue monitoring.

2026 Make It Shine Spring Cleanup Applications Open April

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the 2026 Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup, scheduled for April 4–19, 2026. The REAP program provides cleanup materials, waste hauling, and landfill fees to volunteer community groups removing litter from state streams and public lands; applications must be submitted by March 6, 2026. Last year's effort mobilized 3,800 volunteers from 143 groups who removed 98 tons of litter from 99 acres of public land and 53 miles of streams.

WVDEP Adopt-A-Highway Spring Cleanup Set April 25

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is accepting registrations for the Adopt-A-Highway Spring Statewide Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a registration deadline of April 17. The 2025 event drew more than 1,900 volunteers from over 250 groups who removed nearly 79,000 pounds of litter from almost 600 miles of roadway. The program, administered through WVDEP's Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP), provides garbage bags, work gloves, and safety vests to volunteers, and handles disposal of collected trash. Participants must be at least 12 years old; groups can register by calling 1-800-322-5530 or emailing dep.aah@wv.gov.