Cleanup continued over the weekend at the site of a gasoline and diesel spill that occurred Friday, July 18, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
The spill — estimated to be 3,000 gallons — occurred when a tractor-trailer rolled over off the U.S. 101 was of the city of Port Angeles and landed in Indian Creek.
The dual tractor-trailer was recovered and the Washington State Department of Ecology said extensive cleanup efforts continue.
MyCallamCounty.com reported “58-year-old Thomas Schaw of Port Angeles was charged with negligent driving after troopers said he failed to negotiate a right-hand turn, left the roadway, and tumbled down a 200-300 foot embankment.”
He was able to exit the truck on his own, and his condition was reported as OK.
The agency Saturday said current operations were focused on minimizing environmental impacts through fuel recovery and environmental assessments. Cleanup contractors placed a containment boom, are replacing sorbent materials, and identifying areas where fuel can be recovered.
Shoreline, wildlife, and aquatic resource assessments are ongoing. Fish kills have been observed in the affected area.
“This is a devastating accident for Indian Creek and the Elwha River,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson.”This spill is nothing short of heartbreaking for local tribes and other Washingtonians who rely on clean, healthy rivers and streams for their food and livelihoods.”
Out of caution, the City of Port Angeles temporarily shut down the Elwha River drinking water intake. On Sunday, the city issued a Do Not Drink water order for all City of Port Angeles water utility customers.
The city said, “Water testing is currently underway as directed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). However, some DOH-required tests involve out-of-state review, which is taking longer than expected. At this time, the City’s water reservoirs have depleted to critical levels. To maintain safe and consistent water pressure throughout the system, the City must begin producing additional water before all test results are available. “
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