Cleanup underway after yellow paint leaked into Fond du Lac River

FOND DU LAC -- Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue officials were called out to the Fond du Lac River at Western Avenue Thursday, May 11th investigating after yellow paint leaked into the water.

Officials said around 1:30 p.m., a report came in regarding a “yellow cloud" by the bridge over the Fond du Lac River.  Fire crews arrived and discovered a bright yellow unknown substance discharging into the Fond du Lac River.

Crews were able to track the discharge back to the city storm sewer system, and then met with DPW crews to try and determine the possible source of the leak. "Hazardous materials" crews began to test the product to determine whether it posed immediate hazards to the public.  In addition, crews began the process of slowing down the flow into the river.

The discharge was tracked back to the Fond du Lac County Highway Garage on Dixie Street.

When DPW and fire officials arrived at the garage, there was no longer an active discharge. It was determined that paint used for street marking was accidentally rinsed into the storm sewer during a cleaning operation and an estimated 30 gallons of paint mixed with water was directed down the storm sewer.

The DNR was contacted and is working with city and county personnel to coordinate the cleanup.

Western Avenue was closed for several hours and traffic was rerouted.

There were no injuries reported.

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