RAF Mildenhall, environmental agencies coordinate on fuel spill Published April 25, 2007 By 010407 RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Contractors began excavation and remediation of contaminated soil Tuesday following a fuel spill that occurred here Friday. Up to 65-thousand US gallons of jet fuel were accidentally released in association with ongoing construction work on the airfield. "The spill site has been isolated. Current monitoring indicates the fuel is within a small area and is not expected to spread off the installation," said Lt. Col. Scott Hartford, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. RAF Mildenhall, Forest Heath District Council, the Environmental Agency and Anglian Water have been working closely to understand and resolve the situation. At this time it is understood there is little risk to residents living near the base. Agencies are continuing to monitor the local water supply. Nigel McCurdy, Forest Heath Strategic Director, said, "All agencies involved acted swiftly upon being informed of the incident. The council is confident that all risks have been minimised as far as possible and will liaise with all relevant agencies to monitor the situation." Environmental Agency and base officials are investigating the incident. Clean up is underway.