[simage=1849,200,n,center]

The Department of Natural Resources has looked into what caused a chemical spill in Washington.Last night, a resident near South 14th Street and East Adams reported a strong chemical odor and milky white color in a neighborhood stream.  Upon investigation, its source was traced to a spill at the Liqui-Grow fertilizer plant.  The spill was caused by an employee rinsing out totes in an area designed to contain runoff.

When that area filled, the employee pumped the rinse water to the ground, running over a gravel parking lot before emptying into a drainage ditch and storm sewer eventually leading to the South Fork of Long Creek on the southeast part of town.

The company estimates that at least 400 to 500 gallons of rinse water reached the creek.  The storm sewer has been flushed with clean water.  Residents, pets and livestock should avoid the creek for at least 48 hours.

Tags: ,