A barge punctured after it rubbed against a metal barrier leaked at least 2,000 gallons of gasoline into the Ohio River yesterday, prompting police to close off several downtown streets in Louisville, Kentucky.
Barbara Crow of the Louisville Water Co. explained the spill was downriver from the company's intake and therefore did not affect the city's water supply. No injuries were reported, and there had been no evacuations.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Todd Betteridge said the river was shut down late Wednesday from the Interstate 65 bridge to the McAlpine Locks.
Since attempts to plug the leak were interrupted by darkness, crews worked today to transport the remaining gasoline in the barge to another vessel before it leaks out. Police then reopened the streets nearby.
The entire barge held 1.5 million gallons of gasoline, and the leaking tanks held 315,000 gallons, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Steve Garcia said. Another barge was being brought up the Ohio River from Memphis, Tenn., so the gas could be off-loaded.
Officials said the captain of the barge would be tested for drugs and alcohol, following standard procedure.
Source: The Associated Press
