PORT ANGELES – Governor Bob Ferguson today visited the site of an accident on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge that resulted in a tanker truck overturning and spilling petroleum in Indian Creek. The creek feeds into the Elwha River.
Governor Ferguson was joined by U.S. Representative Emily Randall, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chair Frances Charles, Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, other elected leaders and incident command officials at the site of the accident today. Video and photos of today’s visit are available here: https://ofmwagov.app.box.com/s/8w9thuszjy50h92qs7tz8yzvsl4cjuxr.
The most immediate concern now is the drinking water for the City of Port Angeles. The Elwha River feeds the well that provides drinking water to the Port Angeles area. Out of an abundance of caution, city water customers are under a “Do Not Drink” order pending testing to confirm the water is safe. For up-to-date drinking water information visit https://www.cityofpa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1873.
“There’s no question this accident is a serious incident, and it will take time to understand the full impact,” Ferguson said. “So much investment has gone into this area, especially supporting fish restoration. This is a setback, but it could have been far worse. It’s largely because of the immediate response by so many levels of government, organizations and individuals that we were able to quickly contain the spill and prevent further damage. That’s what the people expect — to see different levels of government coordinating with tribes, individuals and organizations to respond quickly. That’s certainly been the case here.”
The petroleum tanker truck came to rest upside down in Indian Creek leaking petroleum after the accident Friday on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge just west of Port Angeles. Washington State Patrol, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation, in addition to local fire and tribal partners, responded to the accident. State agencies are coordinating with the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Makah tribes, as well as the Olympic National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Department of Fish & Wildlife as containment and cleanup operations continue.
More information can be found on the Department of Ecology’s incident page: https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills/spill-preparedness-response/responding-to-spill-incidents/spill-incidents/tanker-truck-spill-into-indian-creek.