NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) said that diesel got in the duck pond at the University of Oklahoma last week after a power plant pump malfunctioned and spilled over two dozen gallons of diesel. “We went there, and we could see visibly some of the ducks we re already wet,” said Kenna Chamlee, with Wildcare Oklahoma. That was not a good sign for WildCare Oklahoma staff. Norman residents concerned about safety of OU duck pond Chamlee and other staff members heard there was a cry for help at OU’s duck pond, so, they went to save as many ducks as they could Tuesday afternoon. “We got a call a week ago from a concerned rescuer,” said Chamlee. The concern came after it was discovered that the water in the pond was contaminated. “We found the area where the contaminant was, and they had blocked it off and everything,” said Chamlee. “We ended up capturing eight total.” The ducks are now in quarantine at the WildCare facility, where they are being monitored and treated. “Diesel can cause some pretty bad issues internally if they ingest a lot,” said Paul Rusinko, with Wildcare Oklahoma. “Sudden death is a big, major thing that we're looking for.” The University of Oklahoma sent News 4 the following statement: We are monitoring the situation and working to confirm the original source. On March 6, we were alerted to what appeared to be diesel fuel in the duck pond.  When the presence of diesel was confirmed, SET Environmental was contacted and immediately began the containment and cleanup process, using booms to prevent the diesel from leaving the site and traveling downstream. Once contained, they removed the fuel from the surface of the water.  The Oklahoma State Department of Environmental Quality and City of Norman were advised the remediation process was underway. We also appreciate the support of WildCare Oklahoma and their commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in the state. The University of Oklahoma But, officials with the DEQ said the diesel came from a nearby power plant on campus. “It was reported that approximately 25 gallons of diesel fuel was released at the power plant due to a pump out malfunction. OU reported that about 20 gallons were contained and then the other five gallons went from a storm drain into the pond,” said Erin Hatfield, with the Department of Environmental Quality. Veterinarians at WildCare said they’re focused on getting the ducks healthy again. “We’ve got a highest dilution of 5% with our dawn dish soap all the way down to 1%,” said Mattie Yates, a Veterinarian at Wildcare Oklahoma. “We took a couple of feathers so that today we can figure out what the best approach is going to be.” WildCare Oklahoma is also going to test all the ducks to make sure they aren’t carrying any diseases. They also said it’s important to note that there is other wildlife, such as turtles and fish, living in the pond, which they are also worried about. The DEQ said the rain over the weekend did help dilute the pond, but they aren’t sure exactly how long it will take for the water to be clean. ...read more read less