Semitruck crash spills gallons of fuel into Parleys Creek, no threat to drinking supply
Apr 25, 2024, 10:56 AM | Updated: 7:05 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities are working to clean up a fuel spill after a semitruck jackknifed and spilled diesel fuel into Parleys Creek Thursday morning.
Salt Lake City health officials are warning people and pets to stay out of the water at Sugar House, Tanner, and Hidden Hollow parks until the water can be tested, which the Salt Lake County’s Health Department said could take up to a week.
#ParleysCreek fuel spill thread 🧵
Following this morning’s I-80 fuel spill that impacted Parley’s Creek, health officials advise people and pets to stay out of potentially affected waterways until water sampling results are available. pic.twitter.com/tbvIVQF9Uk
— Salt Lake Health (@SaltLakeHealth) April 25, 2024
The fuel spilled into Parley’s Creek after a semi crashed, puncturing its fuel tank and sending fuel into a nearby storm drain that led into the creek.
“Diesel fuel is a hazard, especially to pets, not only for drinking, if they ingest it, that would be a particular hazard for the pet, but it’s also an irritant on the skin and the fur of both humans and pets,” said Salt Lake City Fire Captain Brandt Hancuff. “So we just, again, ask that you stay out of the water.”
According to Sgt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol, at approximately 4 a.m., a semitruck headed westbound lost control on wet roads and jackknifed, hitting the barrier. The crash displaced four of the concrete barriers, blocking two of the left lanes.
Roden said the semi was carrying approximately 180 gallons of diesel fuel.
“The quantity of the fuel in the creek is unknown,” the Salt Lake County Health Department wrote on X.
Absorbent booms were set up at Tanner, Sugar House, and Hidden Hollow Parks, and fire officials say that is mitigating most of it.
You can see at Sugarhouse Park that crews have installed absorbent booms and there's a sheen on the water — signaling there's fuel in the water. You can also smell gas here.
We're getting briefed from officials soon. Report at noon on @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/jNX0LJvpr9
— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) April 25, 2024
The health department said it has not seen evidence of the spill impacting fish or ducks, and the Department of Wildlife Resources will continue to monitor the local wildlife.
Officials also said they expect the forecasted rain to help clear out any remaining fuel in the water.
