Welcome to Skagit County

October 14, 2003

FUEL SPILL IN WHATCOM COUNTY

A fuel tanker tipped over in Whatcom County on Sunday at Highway 9 and Doran Road, about 3 miles north of the Skagit County border. About 2000 gallons of mixed diesel and gasoline are spilled into a wetland and soils that drain to the Samish River. Ecology spill response has been on the scene coordinating efforts to prevent the fuel from spreading through the soil and surface water. The fuel in the wetland is being pumped round the clock by a consultant for the fuel company.

Since the contamination will need to travel some distance through ground water we do not expect it to reach Skagit soon if ever. The Whatcom County Health Department is evaluating the presence and type of drinking water wells within 1 mile south of the spill area. They are developing a public information handout, sampling plans and future action plans in the next days. Skagit County Public Health Department will be working with them to address threats to drinking water wells along the Skagit border. If you are in that area and are noticing fuel taste, odor, or sheen in your water, please call the Skagit County Public Health Department at 360-336-9380.