Overview

• An oil leak from an electrical transformer at the Quinson dam on October 10 caused hydrocarbon pollution in the Verdon and Lac d'Esparron.
• Firefighters observed an iridescent sheen over several kilometers with foam at the slick edges and a slight odor deemed non hazardous for health.
• EDF installed a floating boom to confine the spill, a specialist contractor is pumping to recover oil, and firefighters are working to limit the spread.
• Prefectures in Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence suspended navigation, fishing, and all aquatic activities for one week between the Quinson dam and the seuil de Gréoux, including Lac d'Esparron.
• Access to the basses gorges trail is closed until October 17, and officials say no drinking-water intakes are impacted as monitoring continues.