News

Actions

Jet fuel leaks into sewers, creek near Mitchell Airport

Hazmat crews were called to the scene
Posted
and last updated

Hazmat crews were called to the scene where jet fuel leaked into sewers and a nearby creek at General Mitchell Airport Monday. 

Airport officials say crews found the leak and capped it, and that the leak was coming from a failed valve under an unused gate at the airport. The fuel lines are used to bring fuel from tanks to the gates to fuel airliners.

Environmental Contractors were on scene using booms and absorbent sheets to clean up the fuel from the Wilson Park Creek near the airport. That creek is a tributary for the Kinnickinnic River which leads to Lake Michigan.

The airport is calling the amount of fuel a small spill, and  in a statement released Tuesday it said:

At this time, the Airport does not believe the leak involved a significant amount of fuel. Cleanup work is underway to contain and remove any remaining fuel in the water systems below the Airport.

Crews from the EPA and the Wisconsin DNR have been on scene monitoring the clean up. There is no word on how long it will take to completely clean up the spilled fuel. 

Be sure and watch TODAY'S TMJ4 on Roku! We are the only station in Milwaukee to provide the latest news, weather and sports on the device. Search for us on Roku today!