Cleanup crews have completed their work following the recent hazardous materials incident affecting Gin Creek in Searcy.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality has reviewed and approved the cleanup efforts, according to the latest update from city officials.
The public may continue to notice some discoloration in Gin Creek as a result of the cleanup process. Officials said the discoloration may remain visible even though the cleanup work has been completed.
The incident began after unexpected rainfall reportedly washed approximately 25 gallons of roof sealant from a roof and into Gin Creek near the Searcy bike trail between Hastings and Queensway.
Emergency and environmental personnel responded and established containment measures inside the creek. Crews later placed 2 containment dams along Gin Creek at Hastings Drive to prevent the material from moving farther downstream.
A professional cleanup company was brought to the scene to continue containment, cleanup and environmental assessment operations.
During the response, the bike trail between Queensway and Hastings was closed. The public was asked to avoid the affected section of Gin Creek, keep children and pets away from the water and refrain from fishing, swimming or using water from the affected area.
With the cleanup completed and approved by ADEQ, the previously closed section of the Searcy bike trail is now open to the public.
GIN CREEK INCIDENT RECAP
Location: Gin Creek near the Searcy bike trail between Hastings and Queensway
Material: Roof sealant
Estimated amount: Approximately 25 gallons
Reported cause: Unexpected rainfall washed the product from a roof into Gin Creek
Containment: 2 dams installed along Gin Creek at Hastings Drive
Cleanup: Completed by professional cleanup crews
Environmental review: Cleanup reviewed and approved by ADEQ
Current creek condition: Some discoloration may remain because of the cleanup process
Bike trail status: Open
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