CLAYTON, NC – Clayton city officials said Saturday an “accidental” kerosene spill from a “private facility” spilled into a creek near Main Street behind Clayton High School.
Rain from Hurricane Ian caused the kerosene to spread along the US 70 business corridor in the community, city officials said.
“The private company immediately contacted a professional hazardous materials clean-up company, who was dispatched around 12:00 p.m. to clean up the area,” the city of Clayton said in a statement.
According to the National Response Center, 2,000 gallons of kerosene were poured into the water.
Locals say they can smell fuel in the area and are concerned about students and residents living nearby.
An employee at Monster Indoor Batting Cages on West Main Street said fuel was pouring “inch deep” from a tank at a nearby oil and gas company.
City officials have not confirmed which company is responsible for the spill, but TR Lee Oil & LP Gas Company is located on the corner of West Main Street and North Robertson Street.
City officials said the company was working “around the clock” to clean up the spill.
“The health and safety of our residents remains our top priority,” the city said in a statement.
WRAL’s Breaking News Tracker saw oil flowing in Little Creek on Lombard Street, about a mile from Main Street.
WRAL News has contacted TR Lee Oil & LP Gas Company for comment on this story.