Petroleum Incident in Arcata

A new hazardous materials incident involving petroleum has been reported to the California Office of Emergency Services.

According to a report published by the office, the incident took place at or near a service station in Arcata at around 10:30 a.m. today.

About 20 gallons of a substance described as “diesel” were released to the environment, according to the person who called in the report.

Here’s the description of the incident that was recorded by the Office of Emergency Services:

RP states, during an annual monitoring inspection of a gas station, while inspecting the diesel fuel pump, the pump malfunctioned causing diesel to release onto the pavement in which 1 gallon went into a nearby storm drain on the property. Storm drain was full of debris. Did not get into waterway. Clean up is on going. Absorbent pads are being used. Release has stopped. Co EH on scene.

This was the fifth hazardous materials incident recorded by the Office of Emergency Services in the Arcata area this year and the 33rd petroleum spill in the county overall.