10/2/2010
Aggressive measures contain 'sheen' from U.S. 12 diesel spill
Resending to fix spelling in news release title.
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LOWELL -- Containment booms and absorbent pads have been placed at the edge of the Lochsa River to minimize the effects of a diesel spill from a tanker crash on U.S. 12.
Hazardous materials experts have been on the scene about 136 miles east of Lewiston since a tanker truck and pup trailer overturned Wednesday, releasing an estimated 8,000 gallons of diesel into a borrow pit on the north side of the highway.
A small amount of sheen appeared near the bank of the Lochsa River Saturday across the highway from where the spill occurred. Afternoon reports indicate that very aggressive measures to capture the material appeared to be working as intended and that the sheen had been contained within about two feet of the riverbank.
Absorbent pads that spanned the Lochsa also were preventing material from spreading downriver.
Crews from a number of state and federal agencies and environmental consultants will monitor the river 24 hours a day and will deploy additional resources if the sheen moves beyond the containment booms. They also will resume excavation on the north side of the highway Sunday to discover the path of material migration. Equipment is expected to arrive on the scene Sunday to drill core samples and help determine whether diesel is present under the highway.
The highway will be limited to single lane through the spill area with alternating traffic controlled by flaggers while crews proceed with excavation and drilling. Motorists are advised to expect minor delays when traveling through the area.
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Media note (not for dissemination): The Idaho Transportation Department has been designated the lead agency for information about cleanup efforts. Mel Coulter, 208.334.8005, is the contact for additional information. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.