Investigation about suspicious fluid dumped on roadway continues

UPDATE 11/15/19 12:00 p.m. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reports responsible persons tied to Thursday’s Hazmat spill have been in contact with deputies and Idaho Falls Fire personnel.

Persons tied to the substance have cooperated with deputies and the Hazmat team in identifying the substance spilled as an acidic agricultural product used for the breakdown of various agricultural waste.

One or more containers of this product tipped off the trailer it was riding on and was either breached or dumped while the driver was attempting to load it back on.

An investigation and cleanup continues at this time.

The sheriff’s office says there is no threat to public safety.

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ORIGINAL:

An adult male was reportedly seen dumping suspicious fluids onto the asphalt and dirt near the intersection of 15th East and US Hwy 20 Thursday morning.

The caller reported to police that at approximately 10:30 a.m. the individual was standing on the trailer attached to a white Chevy dually pickup truck and was dumping fluid from two large plastic carboy containers.

The caller reported seeing two full carboy containers and two empty carboy containers in the trailer. It is not known if there were other individuals inside the vehicle during the incident.

One engine, one ambulance and a battalion chief were dispatched from the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD). Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was also on scene.

Shortly after arriving on scene, IFFD notified the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and reported the incident. A conference call was coordinated through the IOEM State Communications office which consisted of officials from IFFD, IOEM, State Health Department and Department of Environmental Quality.The Region 7 Hazardous Material Response Team then tested the fluid which showed a pH value of 1. With a pH scale from 0 to 14 and 7 being neutral, the test indicated that the fluid was very acidic.

Emergency responders have the approximate 40-foot by 20-foot spill area contained. There is no known threat to the public at this time. The hazmat team has spread neutralizing material on the acid. Barricades are being brought in to keep the area contained until a certified contractor arrives to safely remove the material.

There are no road closures, but motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, reduce speeds and watch for first responders on the side of the road who will remain on scene until the material is cleaned up. It is not known at this time how long the cleanup will take.

This incident is under investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact Idaho Falls/Bonneville County Emergency Dispatch at (208) 529-1200. Information may also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (208) 522-1983 or ifcrime.org.