Angelus Oaks, CA, April 27, 2013 – A spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) says they have much more territory to cover in their assessment of environmental impacts in Cold Creek. Thousands of gallons of gas and diesel were spilled in the area after a tanker truck overturned on Friday.
Gasoline dissipates more quickly than diesel but is still fatally toxic to aquatic life. CDFW crew members are moving downstream slowly in difficult terrain, looking for diesel pooling and for impacts on insects and other animals.
The truck has been up-righted, so Caltrans can now examine the roadside for contamination. Heavy, metal equipment combined with low humidity and petroleum’s high flammability means slow, methodical progress is crucial to avoid sparking a fire. San Bernardino County Fire and the U.S. Forest Service are on site to aid in any necessary fire suppression efforts.
Highway 38 remains closed at Angelus Oaks until further notice.
