8/18/2005
Cleanup of spill on Idaho 55 near Smiths Ferry complete today
BOISE - Idaho 55 reopened to two-way traffic today with completion of the cleanup of an asphalt emulsion spill about two miles north of Smiths Ferry, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The Environmental Protection Agency managed the cleanup operation.
Transportation department maintenance crews worked with the EPA contractor to clear the road surface and shoulder and replace damaged sections of concrete barrier to the side of the road. The Idaho State Police managed the emergency response for the state. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provided analysis of the material and monitored water quality. The Valley County Sheriff teamed with the federal and state agencies to help complete the cleanup as quickly as possible.
"The team effort to get this job done quickly has been outstanding," said Earl Liverman, EPA Region 10 on-site coordinator. "All of the agencies involved in this operation did more than their share to see that the job was done correctly and sooner than estimated."
About 1,200 gallons of an asphalt emulsion used for pavement seal coats spilled Monday evening (Aug. 15) when a pup trailer overturned on a curve next to the North Fork of the Payette River. Transportation department maintenance crews responded to the scene and limited the spread of the spill. Some of the asphalt reached the river.
All of the spilled asphalt has been removed or is stabalized and not a threat to the environment or to human health.