Local and state officials responded to a crash near the Circle K store (formerly M and M’s), on U.S. 58 Friday afternoon.
An estimated 300 gallons of diesel fuel got into a surrounding waterway, according to Emergency Services Coordinator Steve Allen.
Members of the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Allen and Patrick County Fire & EMS “got the fuel leak contained. We were able to get ahead of it and put down booms and pads” to soak up the fuel, Allen said.
He added the pads are made to attract hydrocarbons. As a result, they only pick up hydrocarbons and do not soak up water as well.
“Everyone on scene did a great job containing and getting in front of the fuel leak to keep it from getting further down the waterway,” Allen said.
Hazmat crews from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), also worked to ensure the fuel was cleaned up, Allen said.
One side of U.S. 58 was down to one lane, according to Allen, who added that crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manned the lane closure.
Other responding agencies also included the Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department, JEB Stuart Rescue, Virginia State Police and the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.