A professional cleanup company is now working at Gin Creek following a chemical spill near the Searcy bike trail between Hastings and Queensway.
The bike trail will remain closed between Queensway and Hastings while cleanup operations continue. Officials said the timeline for completing the work and reopening the trail is currently unknown.
Crews have placed 2 dams along Gin Creek at Hastings Drive to contain the product and prevent further contamination downstream.
The original spill was estimated to involve approximately 25 gallons of roof sealant. Officials said the product was being applied to a roof when unexpected rainfall washed some of it into Gin Creek.
Emergency personnel initially established containment measures inside the creek and notified the appropriate agencies. A professional cleanup company has since arrived to continue the response.
Officials previously said a significant impact on Gin Creek was not expected. However, out of an abundance of caution, residents and visitors are being asked to continue following all safety guidelines until cleanup crews complete their work and the area is declared safe.
The public should:
Avoid entering or wading in Gin Creek.
Keep children and pets away from the creek and its banks.
Do not fish or swim in the affected portion of the creek.
Do not use water from the affected area.
Avoid disturbing dams, containment devices or cleanup equipment.
Stay away from the closed section of the bike trail.
The restrictions apply to Gin Creek downstream from the spill, including affected areas within the public park.
Additional information will be released when it becomes available. Residents and visitors should continue avoiding the affected area and allow emergency, environmental and professional cleanup personnel to work safely.
LATEST INFORMATION
Location: Gin Creek near the bike trail between Hastings and Queensway
Material: Roof sealant
Estimated amount: Approximately 25 gallons
Reported cause: Unexpected rain washed the product from a roof into Gin Creek
Current response: Professional cleanup company working on-site
Containment: 2 dams installed along Gin Creek at Hastings Drive
Bike trail status: Closed between Queensway and Hastings
Estimated reopening: Currently unknown
Public restrictions: Remain in effect until cleanup is completed and the area is declared safe
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