Ames officials determined natural deterioration caused a recent oil leak on Dayton Avenue.

The leak, reported by a resident Sept. 18, had left oily sheen in one of the city’s storm sewers and posed a vital environmental risk for Skunk River. Ames Electrical Services determined the source of the leakage was from a fuel line running to its gas turbine No. 1.

“The ground wants metal, when you put metal underground, it eats away at the pipe,” said Donald Kom, director of Ames Electric Services.

Upon discovering the leakage, Ames Electric Services immediately contacted Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources and identified the issue. Contractors such as Fox Engineering, Hydro-Klean and Ames Trenching & Excavating were brought on site to investigate the leakage and migrate any additional source of oil from Skunk River.

During this inspection Fox Engineering determined emergency repairs were needed.

The fuel line for GT-1 was removed and rerouted to gas turbine No. 2. However, this path is made with stainless steel and cannot run under harsh, cold conditions, which are months away.

Repairs to replace, remove and re-route the 14-inch piping add up to about $240,000.

Hydro-Klean, who is responsible for the oil skimmers, is using a “double-boom system” which will barricade any future contamination from the storm sewer to the river and Ames Trenching & Excavating. Paying for the company to work on site and could cost an additional $50,000 to $75,000, Kom said.