UPDATE: According to Jeremy Klatt, Environmental Specialist with the Iowa DNR, Pilot Travel Center will be issued a "notice of violation" after fuel spilled into Willow Creek. There will be no monetary fine but it will be reflected on the company's record.
It is still unclear how much fuel ended up in the creek but it is cleaned up at this point. An environmental company assisted. Klatt tells KIMT if it was a significant amount it could impact wildlife. The DNR will continue to monitor the situation.
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – About 300 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled last week on the northeast side of Clear Lake.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says it happened on December 28, 2018, as a Pilot tanker truck filled underground storage tanks at the Pilot Travel Center south of U.S. Highway 18. The spilled fuel flowed over the parking lot.
Clear Lake police and firefighters worked with travel center staff to dam up the parking lot and hold the fuel in place. An environmental firm then pumped at least 750 gallons of fuel and rainwater from the parking lot but an undetermined amount reached Willow Creek.
No fuel was seen in the creek but with rain on December 27 and the creek out of its banks on December 28, it is believed most spilled fuel moved downstream.
The DNR says it continues to monitor the situation and will consider an appropriate legal response.
