Gasoline found in Mendenhall sewer system disrupts treatment in Juneau, Alaska
(UI) — A gasoline spill disrupted operations at the City and Borough of Juneau's (CBJ) Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant on May 16, prompting an emergency response and a joint investigation with state environmental officials.
On May 17, operators detected the presence of gasoline in the facility’s sewer system, forcing the partial evacuation of the plant. Staff acted quickly to isolate the contamination and minimize damage, according to CBJ officials.
“The spill immediately disrupted wastewater treatment operations,” the city said in a statement. “The severity of the spill prompted temporary evacuation of a portion of the treatment facility.”
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (ADEC) Spill Prevention and Response division is assisting with the investigation to identify the source of the spill.
Officials warn that gasoline in the sewer system poses serious risks, including threats to human health, interference with wastewater treatment processes, and environmental harm to nearby water bodies and fisheries.
The spill is believed to have originated somewhere in the Mendenhall Valley, Lemon Creek, or Salmon Creek areas. Authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify the source.
“If you witnessed or are aware of any fuel spills, leaking fuel tanks or pipes, or know of any other possible sources of fuels that may be discharging to our drainage and sewer systems, we ask that you please contact our joint investigation team immediately,” the city said.
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