Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A diesel leak closed Winona Avenue and Argonne Road late Wednesday afternoon, as emergency personnel worked to soak up the mess.
According to Warsaw Fire Department Chief Matt Warren, the spill came to their attention about 4:20 p.m. They were notified that diesel fuel was getting into Winona Lake through a storm water drain, but it was unknown where it originated.
While investigating, it was discovered that a semi-tractor-trailer owned by Warsaw Chemical, Argonne Road, Warsaw, was leaking the fuel from its gas tank.
Authorities are unsure how much fuel got into the lake or how long the tank was leaking, but say they doubt more than 20 gallons escaped.
When notified of the leak, Warsaw Chemical employees assisted the fire department in cleanup by putting down absorbent materials to prevent any more gas from leaking into the storm sewer and being carried into the lake.
They also blocked off the area with absorbent booms to prevent the fuel from reaching the lake, Jay Sweatland, Warsaw Chemical's environmental health and safety manager, said.
In addition to Warsaw Chemical's efforts, the fire department put absorbent booms in the lake. The booms act like gigantic sponges, soaking up only petroleum products, Warren said.
Warren believes that up to 99 percent of the fuel spilled has been soaked up by the booms. The booms in the lake will soon be removed and replaced by another set, to retrieve any additional fuel.
Warren said the Department of Natural Resources visited the site Wednesday and does not believe wildlife is in any danger.
Environmental Remediation Services, Fort Wayne, has been called in to finish the cleanup. Warsaw Chemical will foot the bill for this service.
Warsaw and Winona Lake police and fire departments, Multi-Township EMS, Emergency Management Agency and employees of Warsaw Chemical assisted in the cleanup.
