NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) – North Port officials are scrambling to contain a fuel spill that seeped into the city’s water supply.
Late Friday night, a fuel tanker crashed on Interstate-75, spilling more than 4,200 gallons of fuel.
Emergency crews used chemicals to clean up the mess.
They felt confident that the spill was contained, but some rains over the weekend allowed the chemicals to seep into nearby waterways. On Tuesday morning, a sheen was spotted in waterways and in Myakkahatchee Creek which feeds into one of the city’s water treatment plants.
“My first thought was how does this impact our drinking water supply?” said North Port Field Operations Manager Michael Vuolo.
The city is working closely with the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Booms were immediately were placed in creeks throughout the city to stop the spread. The water treatment plant was also shut down. There are other water treatment plants that service the city.
Environmental officials are doing water tests to make sure the water supply is safe. On Wednesday morning, clear sheens were still visible in the creek.
The fuel and chemicals used in the accident could be harmful if consumed. Along with the fuel, there were chemicals and fuel retardant foam that seeped into the waterways so officials are taking all precautions.
“It is concerning because we don’t know what it is,” said Vuolo.
So far, it does not appear that the fuel has tainted the city’s drinking water.
“[North Port residents] shouldn’t be worried this is all a precautionary measure,” said Vuolo.
It’s unclear when the treatment plant will reopen and when the problem will be resolved.