Health officials advise public to avoid waterways in Sugar House, Hidden Hollow, Parleys

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Health officials with the Salt Lake County Health Department advised people and pets to stay out of waterways that may have been affected by a diesel fuel spill.

The spill happened Thursday morning when a tractor-trailer lost control on I-80, where Salt Lake fire officials said the truck's fuel tank ruptured and drained 200 gallons of diesel fuel into a storm drain.

The drain connects to Parleys Creek, and the fuel was eventually seen and smelled in Tanner Park, about six miles downstream from the crash.

RELATED: 200 gallons of diesel fuel spill into Parleys Creek, travel downstream to SLC waterways

Salt Lake health officials said Parleys Creek flows through Parley's Historic Nature Park, Sugar House Park and Hidden Hollow Park, and advised the public to stay out of the waterways in these areas until water sample results are available.

Officials with the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities confirmed the drinking water quality was not impacted.

Impacts of fuel in the water on fish and ducks in the area have not been seen, but officials said employees with the Division of Wildlife Resources will monitor the wildlife in the area.

"The quantity of fuel in the creek is unknown," health officials reported Thursday afternoon.

Signs have been placed at the respective parks to let visitors know to avoid the waterways, officials said.

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