UPDATE: Highway 1 remains closed Friday morning after fuel spill
Both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 1 between Nauwigewauk and Hampton will remain closed Friday morning, as remediation work is being done, after a tanker truck flipped onto its roof Wednesday afternoon.
The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization says containment and remedial work are ongoing at the spill site, and the highway remains closed to ensure the safety of remediation crews and travellers.
NBEMO stated yesterday that an estimated 36,000 litres of fuel spilled.
A local detour is available to passenger vehicles only due to weight restrictions. Truck traffic is encouraged to use Route 2 and Route 7 for alternate routing.
The Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) and remediation contractors continue to take steps to mitigate potential impacts on the public, the environment, and nearby infrastructure.
Inspectors are in the process of visiting homes in the area, and have not identified any impacts so far.
Inspections are being done along the nearby waterway, and officials are speaking with local homeowners.
The intent is to help assess this area and gather pertinent information (homeowner contact details and well depth information) to determine where to collect well water samples. Gasoline spills can contaminate groundwater, which may affect drinking water safety, especially for homes using private wells.
Residents and motorists are encouraged to stay informed by visiting NB511.ca or by calling 511. Updates will also be provided there when they are available.
Hampton, Kennebecasis Valley and Saint John fire departments responded to the scene on Wednesday afternoon, along with Saint John’s hazmat unit.
There is still no word on whether or not anyone was injured.
