Fuel Spill in Des Moines River Traced Back to Generator

Attendees of Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam wait in line to enter the new Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines Thursday, July 14, 2005. The arena is the final piece of the Polk County-owned Iowa Events Center, which also includes Hy-Vee Hall, the Polk County Convention Complex and a renovated Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Tools

By Liz Blood

Story Created: Oct 18, 2012 at 6:05 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 18, 2012 at 6:16 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Officials say a diesel fuel spill in the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines has been traced to a rooftop generator at the Iowa Events Center.

The spill was discovered Thursday morning. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says about 2,500 gallons of diesel flowed down a roof drain from a standby generator on the roof of Hy-Vee Hall. It flowed into a storm drain that led to the river.

Cleanup crews have placed absorbent booms across the river.

DNR spokesman Ted Petersen says there's no danger to the city's drinking water supply. He says the spill is below the city's intake on the Des Moines River and most of the city's water comes from the Raccoon River.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

What's On KCRG