Gasoline illegally dumped in city storm drain; suspect identified, faces possible criminal charges

UPDATE | JANUARY 27TH, 12:30PM:

After gasoline was illegally dumped into a city storm drain overnight in the Snoqualmie Ridge Crestview neighborhood, Snoqualmie Parks & Public Works Department crews are onsite with Vactor trucks and will be cleaning numerous catch basins within a two-block area of the affected area. Vactor vacuum trucks are designed to pneumatically pump liquid from underground locations. Additionally, the city had downhill oil filters installed. Crews have placed oil absorption tubes in the affected basins. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was notified, however, the city said it will not be required to respond.

According to a news release, the suspect of the illegal dumping was identified and gross misdemeanor criminal charges will be forwarded to the City of Snoqualmie prosecutor. According to Washington laws and the City of Snoqualmie Municipal Code, a person dumping waste is required to pay for clean-up as restitution. The city said additional restitution may be required.

City officials are asking residents to not wash vehicles or run water outside today until the clean-up process is complete. They explained that more water forced into the drains will potentially cause the hazardous material to flow farther.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The City of Snoqualmie said via news release that early Sunday morning, January 27, 2019 Snoqualmie Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, along with Puget Sound Energy (PSE), responded to a report of a gas odor in the Crest View neighborhood – 6500 block of East Crest View Loop – of Snoqualmie Ridge. It was reported that several homes were filling with a gasoline odor.

The city said preliminary evidence revealed an unknown amount of gasoline was [illegally] poured down a city storm water drain around midnight, with the amount of gasoline estimated to be between one and ten gallons.

According to the news release, City Public Works crews were planning respond at daybreak to determine if there is an environmental hazard that may require response from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The city asks residents to call 911 if your home has an odor of gas. Snoqualmie Police and Fire will respond and determine if is due to the same issue and rule out any other danger.

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