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Clearwater Diesel Spill ADVISORY - UPDATE #1

Release Date: 1/10/2002
Contact Information: Mark MacIntyre
[email protected]
(206) 553-7203

January 8, 2002 : Noon

INCIDENT: On Sunday, January 6, a tanker truck accident on Highway 12 near Kooskia, Idaho (milepost 83), spilled approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel along and in the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

CLEANUP OPERATIONS - Energy continues to be focused on eliminating further contamination from the accident site and protecting community water intakes. Foss Environmental and EPA's contractor, Ecology & Environment and the Idaho Regional Response team from Lewiston have been mobilized and are currently on-site. Foss has staged 2700 ft. of hard boom, two center-console watercraft., two skiffs, an a 3,000 gallon vacuum truck at the scene. A helicopter overflight of the river is scheduled for this afternoon. Light rain and warm overnight temperatures have caused river levels to rise approximately 1 ft. overnight. Several hundred yards of contaminated soil from the accident site has been excavated and removed. Drainage trenches are being dug for additional sub-surface product removal.

WATER PROVISION - The Kamiah, Riverside Independent and Orofino water systems are currently evaluating their intake status. Residents connected to these systems are advised to not drink their tap water until further notice. Hi-Noon Petroleum is providing 10,000 gallons of bottled water to local residents, available through the Kamiah) Riverside Independent Water District, and the Orofino city water treatment plants. Those interested in obtaining this water are asked to call their water provider first to confirm its arrival.

FISH & WILDLIFE IMP ACTS -The Nez Perce tribe, Idaho Department of Fish & Game the National Marine Fisheries Service and fue U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are , currently performing both roadside and on-water surveys to assess fish & wildlife impacts. As of this update, 110 visibly stressed or affected wildlife has been sighted or collected or reported.

TRAFFIC- Due to the presence ofheavy equipment and cleanup personnel along Highway 12, traffIc revisions and lane restrictions may be in effect. Drivers are asked to use extreme caution to protect the workers.

RESPONDING AGENCIES & ENTITIES: Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho State Patrol Idaho County, Clearwater County, Idaho Department of Environrnental Quality, Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services, Idaho District 2 Healili Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hi-Noon Petroleum. Inc.

For more details see the Pollution Report