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The Indiana Daily Student

bloomington

Large underground gasoline leak spills into Bloomington sewer system

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A large gasoline spill at a Marathon gas station, located at 1307 West Third Street, resulted in a large release of fuel into the sanitary and storm sewer Monday. 

After a thorough search, the spill was caused by a leak in an underground holding tank, or underground pipe, which released the large amount of gasoline fuel. 

City of Bloomington Utilities issued a statement about hydrocarbon odors Monday, Oct. 31 coming from the sewage that flows to the Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to a City of Bloomington press release. The plant operators detected the odor Sunday, Oct. 30 and suspended plant operations by diverting the flow to the equalization basin.  

The total time to complete the cleanup is unknown at this time, but the leak has been stopped by removing the fuel from the storage tanks and surrounding areas.  

Currently, there is no risk to residents and officials are actively monitoring the area. The Bloomington Fire Department will be directly contacting residents near the affected areas.  

The fire department and Indiana Department of Environmental Management conducted a sample which indicates the fuel vapor levels are dropping. The CBU are continuing to monitor the conditions at the plant and are working with IDEM to implement actions to resume plant operations.  

If residents smell gasoline in their homes, they are advised to avoid open flames and open windows to ventilate the area. Residents with concerns can call 812-269-6052.  

This story will be updated.

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